Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at North Shady Grove Church of God for Mr. Tom Henry Kendall, 86, of Cascilla, who died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 9, surrounded by family who loved him deeply. Burial followed in North Shady Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Jason Smith and the Rev. Mark Moore officiated. The family received friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday evening, Jan. 11, and one hour prior to the service on Monday, Jan. 12, all at the church.
Henry was born on Aug. 17, 1939, in Tallahatchie County, the son of the late Asbury Kendall and the late Ethel Melton Kendall, and remained a proud country boy at heart throughout his life. A self-employed businessman, Henry was involved in many ventures that not only provided for his family, but allowed him to build lasting friendships near and far, from years spent logging in the woods and operating a successful sawmill to owning Kendall’s Gravel Pit for decades. His love for the outdoors and hunting naturally led him to become a skilled taxidermist, a craft he took great pride in.
Henry was a faithful member of the North Shady Grove Church of God where he shared his love for the Lord through music by playing the piano and lived his life devoted to Jesus Christ. In his final weeks, he spoke often and peacefully about going home to be with the Lord, and reuniting with loved ones who had gone before him, confident in his heavenly home. Henry was a hard worker and a devoted family man who deeply loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. Known for his big, warm hugs, Henry’s constant smile and his favorite words, “love you big bunches,” brought joy wherever he went. A kind, caring soul, he was a beloved member of his community and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, three sisters: Ruth Lindley, Sue Kendall and Ida Mae Carpenter, and his brother, Charlie Kendall, preceded Henry in death.
Survivors include, his daughter, Geneva K. Jolly, M.D., of Olive Branch; his son, Julius Ray Kendall (Becky) of Cascilla; one sister, Dorothy Smith of Cascilla; four grandchildren: Diana Brownell (Craig), Dustin Kendall (Abbey), Ian Kendall Jolly and Nathan Andrew Jolly (Brittany Stewart) and eight great grandchildren: Paizley Kendall, Henlee Kendall, Braylie Kendall, Harley Brownell, Ripley Heath, Jed Kendall, Azelea Faye Jolly and Anastasia Keohane.
Mike Carpenter, Allen Kendall, Joe Kendall, Johnny Kendall, Sam Kendall and Craig McGarrity honored Henry by serving as pallbearers.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
