“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelations 21:4).

Mr. Percy Gatlin was born July 29, 1926, in Fernwood, Miss., to Willie Gatlin and Vicie Leonard. He departed this life on Friday, Sept. 7, at his residence in Bogalusa.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at Second Baptist Church, located at 1412 N. Ave. in Bogalusa, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. The Rev. Darrell Self, pastor, will be officiating.

Interment will follow in the Bogalusa Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements.

Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.

He leaves to cherish his memories: one son, Carl Jones of Bogalusa; two sisters, Emma H. (Victor) Clark of Tylertown, Miss., and Anna M. (Bryan) Stewart of Buckeye, Ariz.; one brother, Rufus (Arbeseen) Gatlin of Folsom; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vermell Pierce Gatlin; parents, Willie Gatlin and Vicie Leonard; two sons, Joe and James Jones; one daughter, Lovie Lee Jones; five brothers, L.J. Gatlin, Lucious Gatlin, Stennis Gatlin, Bang Gatlin and Toy Gatlin.

Percy was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army. He was ordained as a deacon at Mt. Bethel Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Owens. Later, he moved his membership to Second Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Christopher Matthews, where he served as a faithful Sunday school teacher until his death.