Percy Arnold Corder

Funeral services for Mr. Percy Arnold Corder of Winona will be held Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona. Family will gather at 12:30 p.m., with visitation from 1:00–2:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by Rev. Tracy Putnam and Rev. Billy Little. Graveside services will follow at West Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gene Costilow, Rob Clanton, Wes Hunt, Cole Heigle, Heath Nance, and Andy Shurden.

Honorary pallbearers include Malcolm Dunn, Dr. Dewayne Gammel, Chase Williams, James Paul Campbell, Hank Williams, J.J. Looney and Ed Golding.

Mr. Corder passed away peacefully at THM Hospital. He was born October 14, 1938, “at home” in Carrollton, Mississippi, to Percy Dalton Corder and Nita Hill Corder. Percy graduated from J.Z. George High School in 1957 and continued his education at Mississippi State University, earning a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education in 1961. He later received his Master’s in Agricultural Education in June 1965. He often recalled hitchhiking along Highway 82 East near the old service station until college friends recognized him and offered a ride back to Mississippi State—one of many stories that reflected his determination and resourcefulness.

Percy retired from the Soil Conservation Service (NRCS) in 2000 after 31 years of dedicated service across various counties in Mississippi. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to agriculture, stewardship, and helping local farmers care for their land. After retirement, he found great joy in feeding and working his cows, tending a large garden, attending the weekly cow sale, fishing in the ponds, and mending fences—simple, steady rhythms of country life that brought him deep contentment.

Percy enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dianne, and together they especially loved spending three to four days each May and August on the 500‑mile flea market trail through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Those trips were filled with laughter, treasures, and memories they cherished.

Percy is preceded in death by his first wife, Cynthia Hood Corder of Yazoo City, and by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Tidwell Corder of Winona; one son, Kevin Corder (Jackie) of Carrollton; and one sister, Fay Carter of Carrollton. He leaves behind two beloved granddaughters, Katie Corder Nance (Heath) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Anna Carol Corder Heigle (Cole) of Starkville, Mississippi; and a special niece, Lisa Marie Peeples (Russell) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and their daughters, Lili Kate and Analise.

Percy and Dianne would have celebrated their 40th anniversary on July 26, 2026. They were both faithful members of North Winona Baptist Church, where they were married in 1986 and remained active throughout their life together.

Percy often reminded everyone how blessed he was and that he genuinely enjoyed life every single day. If you spent any time around him, you would likely have received one of his famous nicknames—Hotshot, Boo Speedo, Big Bad John, Meaner Than I Am, Angel, Double Bubble, Bonnie Jewel, Honky Tonk Williams, and many more. His humor, warmth, and affection were woven into every relationship he had.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, CNAs, and doctors at THMH for the excellent care Percy received during his many days and weeks in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

North Winona Baptist Church, 602 Alberta Dr., Winona, MS 38967

or

West Shady Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Dianne Tidwell Corder, 713 Briarwood Dr., Winona, MS 38967.