John Gary Oswalt

Gary Oswalt, a retired general contractor and avid storyteller, passed away on Sunday, October 26, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was 81. Gary was born in Mathiston, MS, to Sam Eliard Oswalt and Mae Brooks Oswalt and was the youngest of six children. He attended school in Reform through junior high and graduated from Ackerman High School in 1962. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1967 where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He was a member of the National Guard, a lifelong fisherman and hunter.

Gary was a native of Choctaw County and devoted member of Ackerman Baptist Church for 51 years. He loved all his Sunday School classes and sang in the choir for many years until his eyesight declined. Old hymns were his favorites. Recently, he could only get the first and last verses from memory, but he sang away on those. Every Sunday, he reminded the church musicians to play something “good”. He was still able to find his way down the halls of the church, not seeing faces but recognizing voices on the way. He always thought the ladies looked good and would tell them so.

After college, he moved to Warren, Arkansas, in 1969, where he was the manager of Vic’s Dollar Store. He developed many friendships there and remained in contact with them through the years. He would venture back every so often to go fishing with his buddies. He would laugh and tell stories of the pranks they often pulled on each other. After leaving Warren, he returned to Mathiston to join his brother, Lowell, in the family business,Sam Oswalt and Son, Inc and their dirt business, LaGo. He had a remarkable memory of events that took place, when and where they happened, and how he solved issues with employees and subcontractors. He thought their employees were the best, and he enjoyed many years of rehashing stories with so many he had met through the building business. Some of his favorite stories revolved around the building of metal buildings, schools, libraries, gyms, and church additions, but his favorite had to be those done at Mississippi State University and his interactions there with coaches and the athletic department. His fondness for MSU continued to grow as he enjoyed many years of attending football, basketball and baseball games with his family. He had been known to even travel to Ole Miss for a few jobs and attend a few football games.

Breakfast at Koty Earls was a highlight of his day. His friends, Waverly and Perry would pick him up come rain or shine. If they were not able to get him, they would make sure someone else was on duty. Old friendships deepened and new friendships were started around the breakfast table. The ladies that worked there were known to spoil him rotten.

Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julia Harpole Oswalt, three daughters, Kristin Oswalt Jewell, Merry Oswalt Poindexter, and Laura Oswalt Doggett (Jason); and his five grandchildren: Connor O’Neel Jewell, Harper Elizabeth Doggett, Anna Katherine Doggett, William Lawson Jewell, and Amelia Hope Poindexter. He is survived by his sister Jane Oswalt Norton. Gary was proceeded in death by his parents Sam and Mae Oswalt, his siblings, Lowell Oswalt (Martha), Brooks Oswalt (Geneva), Ray Oswalt (Ann) and Peggy Oswalt Davis (Bill) and brother-in-law, Gene Norton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catch a Dream Foundation, (2485 Ennis Road, Starkville, MS 39759), Ackerman Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.