Hal Towles of Greenville passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 85. His battle with cancer showed his courage in facing challenges with determination, fight, and a “we’re going to do this” attitude. With family by his side, he left this world peacefully to meet the Lord.
Born in Sardis Mississippi and raised in Arkansas, Hal grew up on a farm and learned a lot about agriculture and rodeos. He graduated from Luxora High School and attended Memphis State University. He joined Arkansas National Guard at 16 years old, the Air Force ROTC at 18, and later the Army Reserve for a total of 9 years of service. He received an honorable discharge as an E-6 Sergeant in 1964.
He absolutely loved agriculture and farming and knew most farmers across the Mississippi Delta from selling ag equipment and crop insurance. He was a historian of Delta farmland a tour guide of sorts, driving family and friends around farms and telling them all about the land, crops, and landowners. Dad could recall these names like he was still in the business. Hal’s career was centered in agriculture and farming. He worked at Bunge Grain Elevator, Delta Implement, Cottonland Insurance, and sold real estate.
Hal was also a creative problem solver who could fix just about anything. He was “Mr. DIY” and always willing to share his talents to help others with their problems.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mannering Towles and Katherine Hortense Towles, and brother David Towles.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane Oltremari Towles of Greenville, MS; sons Hal Towles II (Tricia) of Greenville, MS; Kelly Towles of Memphis, TN; Brent Towles(Schelly) of Hot Springs, AR; Jeff Marshall (Donna) of Madison, MS; daughter Vicki Towles of Memphis, TN; nieces Charmaine Towles McLain of Philadelphia, MS; Jackie Clark of Louisville, KY; Courtney Lannom of Hernando, MS; and Lisa Towles Landers of Flower Mound, TX, Nephews, John Oltremari of Houston, TX; Ken Oltremari (Nicole) of Hunterville, NC. Grandchildren: Trey Towles of Greenville, MS; Lisa Oakes of Leland, MS; Hannah Horn (Deven) of Glenwood, AR; Tyler Towles (Anne Marie) of Sunflower, MS; Keely Marshall of Madison, MS; Dylan Marshall of Madison, MS; Layken Towles and Hallie Towles of Malvern, AR; Santo Borganelli and Payton Long of Greenville MS. Great grandchildren: Chloe Oakes, Anne Marie Oakes, Norah Towles and Henry Towles.
“Dad”, ”PawPaw”, “Uncle Hal”, “Brother-in-law”, “Mr. Towles” was a good man who loved his family. And his family loved him. He will forever be in our hearts.
A service to honor Hal’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 26 at Boone Funeral Home in Greenville, MS followed by burial at Greenville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M.
Pallbearers will be Hal Towles II, Kelly Towles, Brent Towles, Jeff Marshall, Dylan Marshall, Tyler Towles.