James David Foley

Oh what a joyous reunion with beloved son Craig, when James David Foley,71, entered into heaven’s glorious realm Tuesday, February 22, 2022 following a brief illness.  God Called him home while highly skilled and compassionate cardiac, thoracic surgical team was performing rare, complicated surgery at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.

He was born on January 29, 1951 to Herbert Glynn Foley and Mary Jane Courtney Foley in New Albany, MS.  He was a 1969 graduate of Treadwell High School in Memphis, TN.

While he worked in several areas throughout his life, his most accomplished service was working at Hillcrest Baptist Church as caretaker, or what he described as “general flunky”.  He retired for the second time December 31, 2021.

A long-time member at Hillcrest, he developed treasured, lasting relationships as he served in many areas.  A favorite being a greeter where he welcomed all in his cheerful, friendly manner assuring those needing assistance arrived safely to their destination. 

While he was looking forward to retirement working on his “farm” at Cotton Plant, and just “kicking back’, God had better and more urgent plans.

His greatest accomplishment was being a loving, devoted husband, Daddy, Papa, son-in-law, brother, uncle and friend. He firmly believed that Jesus was the answer to overcoming all problems. 

He was known as the peanut man to his family and friends who were assured of a bag of perfectly parched peanuts annually.  His candy drawer was always stocked for all children and often adults to raid.

Services for David Foley will be Saturday February, 26, 2022 at Hillcrest Baptist Church New Albany with Bro Charlie Davis and Bro Jason Blackburn officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, February 25, 2022, from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday 10am until service time at 11am.

He is survived by wife of 45 years Mary Lindsey Foley, two daughter, Tonya Shackelford, Ryan of Tampa, FL, Jessica Haley, Daniel of Olive Branch, brothers Bill Foley, Peggy, of Bartlett, TN and Ernie Foley, Vickie of Cotton Plant, grandchildren, Alyssa Shackelford, Paige Shackelford, Spencer Haley and Sarah Morgan Haley, mother-in-law Helen Lindsey, special friends, Jeff Pennebaker, Sam Pennebaker and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him beyond measure.

He is preceded in death by parents Herbert and Mary Jane Foley and son, Craig Foley.

Pallbearers are Jeff Pennebaker, Sam Pennebaker, Elvis Thomas, Bill Cousar, Terry Baker and Jason Jordan. Honorary pallbearers are Senior Adult Men’s Sunday school class and church greeter team members.

Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 216 Hwy 15, New Albany, MS 38652 to the Craig Foley Scholarship Fund or the Hillcrest Building Fund. 

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