Funeral services were held Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi for Mr. Carl Esco Funchess, 91, who died Monday, December 14, 2015 at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS.  Rev. Solon Funchess officiated with interment following in the Highland Cemetery, Hattiesburg, MS.  Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Carl E. Funchess was born in Prentiss, Mississippi to the late Ollie Dixon Funchess and Jap Funchess.

He was educated in Jefferson Davis County School System and Mt. Zion School.  He joined Mt. Zion M. B. Church at an early age.  He was married to the late Clara Sue Hall.  They were blessed to raise twelve children and a niece.

He later joined Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and was a faithful member until his health failed him.

He was employed for 47 years in the Common Cafeteria at the University of Southern Mississippi in various positions, including Senior Cook.

He volunteered to cook for special programs at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by: two sons, Elder Charles Funchess and James Roberts; three brothers, J. D. Funchess, O. Z. Funchess and Thomas Funchess; one sister, Magdeline White.

He is survived by: children, Greg Funchess of Bradenton, FL, Sheila Watkins of Woodstock, GA, Lisa Funchess of Port Orange, FL, Jerry Funchess of Perrysburg, OH, Carolyn Rutledge of Columbus, GA, Creola Delaney of Euclid, OH, Dessie Garrett of Bedford Height, OH, Glenda Funchess, Shirely Scott and Ray Funchess all of Hattiesburg, MS; special niece, Denise Lewis of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Rev./Atty. Jessie Funchess of Houston, TX and Robert Funchess of Jackson, MS; two sisters, Evelyn Gray of Mt. Olive, MS and Bessie Odom of Milwaukee, WI; 17 grandchildren; host of great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.