John Bell Stonecypher, Jr. passed away at his home September 9, 2016. Brother Johnny's life was
dedicated to sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and to living a life of Faith and Service to God. John
was born April 21, 1922 in Big Point, MS to J.B. Stonecypher, Sr, and Mary Catherine Higgins. He was
the youngest of seventeen children. The Stonecypher family moved to Tanner Williams, AL when John
was one year old. The Stonecyphers were farmers of german descent. During the Great Depression, the
family always welcomed strangers at their table and gave vegetables to those in need. John Bell
Stonecypher, Jr was ordained a preacher in 1940. He served 2 years in the Coast Guard from 1940 -
1941. October 9th, 1941, he married Hilna Ruth Nelson to which he has been married 74 years. He is a
World War II veteran, serving in the Navy 1943 - 1945. In the pacific during WWII, John was stationed
on the USS Polk and the USS Indianapolis. He has shared that he felt blessed to be placed aboard these
ships, "Aboard the ship I learned anew that you didn't have to be behind a pulpit to teach God's Word and
win souls. I tried to witness to as many men as I could." After WWII, he attended University of
Southern Mississippi and graduated with a major in history and a minor in english. As John taught school
during the work week, he, Ruth and their two daughters spent evenings and weekends ministering to the
community as John pastored local churches. John has been the pastor of Stoney Point Baptist Church in
Franklinton, LA, Caannan Baptist Church in Avery, MS, Victory Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS,
Sycamore Baptist Church in Picayune, MS, Leetown Baptist Church in Lee Town, MS, Oak Grove
Baptist Church in Lucedale, MS, Temple Baptist Church in Lucedale, MS, Woodlawn Baptist Church in
Pascagoula, MS, Fairhope Baptist Church, Little Creek Baptist Church in Perkinston, MS, Bethel Baptist
Church in Wiggins, MS, Main Street Baptist Church in Lumberton, MS, Helton Road Baptist Church in
Theodore, AL, Westwood Baptist Church in Mobile, AL, and many mission churches. For many years,
Brother Johnny provided a weekday morning devotion on the local Lucedale, MS radio station. When
asked about his life as a country preacher, he said, "I thank the Lord for the years He saw fit to use me in
His service, and pray He can still use me for His glory. I am looking forward to a great homecoming one
day where I'll see my Lord and, again my brothers and sisters in Christ. To all those who read this, may I
ask, 'Will you meet me there?'"
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 1-3:00pm at the Temple Baptist Church,
Lucedale, MS. His Funeral Service will follow at 3:00pm. Burial in the Magnolia Cemetery.
John Bell Stonecypher, Jr is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruth.
Daughter: Mary Ellen Kinsey (Herbert P. Kinsey)
Daughter: Barbara Jean Voss (Randy Voss)
Granddaughter: Sandy Lowe (Ralph Lowe)
Granddaughter: Karen Blanks
Grandson: Michael Voss (Francis Voss)
4 Greatgrandchildren: Christy Voss, Matthew Voss, Austin Blanks, Brooke Blanks
Many nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.
Instead of flowers, contributions to Fountain of Faith Baptist Church - Fellowship Hall Fund - 1308
Deadlake Road - Creola, AL. 36525
Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS 39452, 601-947-3112 in charge of arrangements.