James A.

Amory – James A “Bozo” Rye, 79, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Golden Living Center, Amory. Born on January 2, 1932, in Amory, he was a son of the late James Alber and Clete Wright Rye.
Bozo was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1950. He graduated from IJC, attended Mississippi College and graduated from Ford Motor College, Detroit, MI. Having worked all of his life, Bozo was a truck driver, did roofing and insulation work, and owned his own business. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, was a Mason, and was a member of Eastern Star Chapter 41. He always looked forward to working at the Masonic Barbeque fundraiser for the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge. A diehard sports fan, Bozo lived and breathed football. A wonderful man and mentor, Bozo cherished time spent with his family and enjoyed telling jokes.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margaret V. Rye, Amory; daughter, Diane Francis McNeal, West Columbia, TX; sons, Kevon O. Rye, Amory, Kraig A. Rye, Golden, Keith A. Rye, Raleigh, NC, Kent R. Rye and David A. Rye, Baytown, TX; sister, Virginia (Hank) Hood, Smithville; brother-in-law, Ralph (Terri) Huggins, Aurora, MN; mother-in-law, Thalia (Howard) Nash, Hatley; grandchildren, Richelle, Tyler, Brocton, Kraig, Jr., Shelby, Kamoron, Lauren, Brandy, Heather, Hali, Harley, Kristen, Savannah and Andrew; six great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, Holly, Melissa, Randy, Leigh, Laura and Paul. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Kenneth Rye and John Hoffpauer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, May 8, 2011, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory with Dr. Tom Cheatham and Dr. Allen Simpson officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Forbus, Wayne Childress, Wayne Arrant, James Dean, Ed Cole and John Ritter.
Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.