David J. Todd

David J. Todd, 81, of Tupelo, MS passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo on Thursday, June 2, 2015. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS at 3:00 P.M. with Dr. Bryant Barnes officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Memorial Cemetery near Macon, MS. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 at the church. Any memorials are requested to be made to Calvary Baptist Church P.O. Box 1008 Tupelo, MS 38802. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon, MS (www.cockrellfuneralhome.com) is entrusted with the service arrangements.

Mr. Todd was born in Crawford, MS on November 2, 1934 to the late Archie Roscoe and Margaret Nellie Triplett Todd. He lived in Bigbee Valley, MS until he was seven years old. He attended Brooksville Public school and graduated from high school in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Todd joined the Brooksville Baptist Church in 1944.
Mr. Todd was always interested in engines and auto repair and worked in his early years as a mechanic in Brooksville, repairing cars and small engines. From there he moved to New Jersey where he worked for the U.S. government as a work force supervisor for over fourteen years. After leaving government service, he began working at a garage and worked his way up to garage manager. He then left the garage to go into business for himself as a mechanic and also worked for Liberty Lift Company repairing fork lifts. Mr. Todd then opened a garage in Somerset New Jersey where he remained until ill-health forced him to retire. He then sold real estate for several years until he completely retired. Mr. Todd served in the New Jersey National Guard for eight years and left service as a Sergeant First Class. He was also a lifetime member of the Moose Association Lodge 988. He served as secretary of that organization for five years and as Deputy Supreme Governor for the State of New Jersey for two years. He achieved Pilgrim level in the Moose Association, which is its highest honor. He was an out-going person who enjoyed meeting and talking to people. While he enjoyed wood-working, he was always at heart a mechanic who truly loved working on vehicles. In 2006, following his wife’s retirement, they moved to Tupelo, MS where they made their home and joined Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. Todd is survived by his wife: Virginia Nell Todd of Tupelo; three daughters: Virginia L. DeChristopher of Pispataway, NJ and by Sally J. McClintock and Betty Smigelski, both of Surfside, SC; and one son: David Gary Todd of Mooreville, MS as well as by eight grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters: Ida Faye Oglesby and Helen Iris Harris, both of St. Cloud, FLA. and by Bonnie Jewel Hammett of Corinth, MS; He also leaves behind two brothers: William Owen Todd of Macon, MS and John Kirk Todd of Pispataway, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Roscoe A. Todd and one sister: Nellie Hizer.