Emmett Ray Atwood 1926-2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Emmett Ray Atwood (99) of Vicksburg, Mississippi, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026. He was at home with his wife, Camille, with whom he had spent the last forty-six years. He was born November 15, 1926, Kosciusko, Mississippi, to David Chase Atwood Jr and Laura Dora England Atwood into a family that ultimately included six sons and three daughters: David Allen, Henry Swanson, Josephine E Genella, Lula Geneva, Giddeon Wells (Dock), Minna Winters, Emmett Ray, Sallis Baily (Cotton), and Herman Kretchman (Bush).

Emmett left the family land and farm at fifteen to pursue an education, first at French Camp and then at Kosciusko High School, where he drove the school bus. After graduating from high school, he served in the Naval Air Corps, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. As a veteran, he remained a continuous member of the American Legion for eighty years

Upon leaving the military, Emmett attended Mississippi State University (MSU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and industry. While in high school and college, he was a member of the cheerleading squads, and at MSU, he also was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

For the greatest part of his life, Emmett worked in the automobile and land sales industries. For over sixty years, he owned and operated Atwood Chevrolet, which previously represented Oldsmobile and Toyota as well. He equally dedicated his business acumen to the purchase, development, and sale of large tracts of farming, timber, hunting, recreational and residential lands. While in business, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club.

Emmett first married Vivian Quinn of Gastonia, North Carolina, with whom he had four children: Emmett Ray Atwood Jr. (Valerie), Vivian June Atwood, David Garland Atwood, and Alan Quinn Atwood (Donna). Emmett later married Camille Webb of Vernon, Texas, mother of Robert, David (Andrew Dawson) and Mimi Mitchell. Through his siblings, Emmett has several nieces and nephews, to whom he was Uncle Emmett. And, through his children, he has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, to whom he was Pops. He greatly enjoyed gathering with family and friends, especially in Kosciusko on the Atwood family homestead for birthdays and reunions. He also enjoyed being outside working and observing nature and the animals living there.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 21, at 2:00 P. M., Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, Vicksburg, Mississippi, with the Reverend Hunter Atwood officiating. Graveside services will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Quinn Atwood, Justin Atwood, Jimmy Atwood, Dwain Atwood, Kade Atwood, Jim Barrett, Fred Newcombe and Chase Atwood.

Thank you to the wonderful staff of St Joseph Hospice and the amazing ladies who helped
care for Emmett in his last days. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.