Mr. Lacy Clyde “L.C.” Pride, Jr. – Quitman County, Mississippi

Mr. Lacy Clyde “L.C.” Pride, Jr. was born December 24, 1937, in Sardis, MS to the late L.C. Pride, Sr. and Mattie Maud Sanders Pride.

He received his early education at Pilgrim Rest Elementary School and Walton Chapel High School. He graduated from high school in 1953. He continued his formal education at the Police Academy in Jackson, Mississippi. He completed the program with honors.

He was employed by the Marks, MS Police Department for 44 years, during this time he became Chief of Police. He received numerous awards for his dedication and service. He retired from the Marks Police Department in January 2002.

At an early age he was converted to Christ at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Crenshaw, Mississippi. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma Lee Retic on November 30, 1963. To this union five children were born.

L.C. was the first black police officer and first black chief of police of Marks, MS. He was a pillar of the community as well as a “Keeper of the City”. He took pride in being a husband, father and a Police Officer. His great works will never be forgotten and he will remain in the hearts of Quitman County citizens forever.

On July 2, 2006, L.C. Pride, Jr. departed this life to live eternally with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted and caring wife of 42 years, Mrs. Velma Lee Pride of Marks, MS; nine children ~four daughters~ Brenda Pride-Johnson of Detroit, MI, Virginia Pride-Johnson of Sledge, MS, Laundra Pride-Boatman of Springfield, IL, and Lyeart “Notchie” Pride of Memphis, TN ~five sons~ L.C. “Joe” Pride, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio, Paul Pride of Marks, MS, Winfred (Cynthia) Warren and Glenn (Claudia) all of Detroit, MI ~one sister~ Maud Saulsberry of Memphis, TN; ~one brother~ Lawrence Cedric (Talisa) Pride, ~step-mother~ Annie Pride Herron, all of Sledge, MS. He leaves four special granddaughters to cherish his memories as their special Papa, LaToria Diane, Shaundraya Sherre, Adrienne Janae’ and JaPaurion Marie and twenty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves seven sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends.

Three brothers and two sisters proceeded him in death.

This obituary was taken from the program for his Home Going Celebration.