Johnie Bruce Dellinger, 86, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016, at NMMC in Tupelo. He was born June 4, 1930, in Lowell, NC, to Luther Calvin Dellinger, Sr. and Sudie Candas (Hansil) Dellinger. He married Mary Melna Sledge on July 16, 1954, in Shaw, MS. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Mississippi College and earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and then earned a Master's Degree in Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his ministry as a pastor at Grove Park Baptist Church in Clinton, NC, and at Central Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY. In 1966, he became a Chaplain for the Veterans Administration, serving in Montgomery, AL, Kansas City, MO, and Alexandria, LA. He initiated the CPE program at the Alexandria VA, in which he trained clergy and others in pastoral care. After his retirement from the VA, he came to Pontotoc County. He served as Senior Adult Minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo. Bruce truly lived life to the fullest thru simple pleasures including enjoying his family, of whom he was very proud. His Christian faith characterized his life, with honesty, humility, and wit. He had an ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He enjoyed his tree farm and building model railroad scenes. He loved to escape into the woods he affectionately called "Po" Acres. He enjoyed the Alabama Crimson Tide and Kansas City Chiefs. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Melna Sledge Dellinger; his sons, John Bruce Dellinger, Jr. of Vicksburg, MS, and William Calvin Dellinger (Denise) of Kansas City, MO; his daughters, Melanie Kay Dolenz (John) of Atchison, KS, and Mary Kimberly Benson (Scott) of Pontotoc, MS ; brother, William M. (Bud) Dellinger of Honea Path, SC; step-brother, Jimmy L. McDaniel (Nancy) of Mt. Holly, NC; eight grandchildren, Michael Dellinger, Lindsay Dellinger, Wil Dellinger, Weston Dellinger, Jay Wade (Destiny), Karis Dolenz, Karl Dolenz and Bruce Dolenz, and two great grandchildren; Drake and Annabelle Dellinger; his special friend and caregiver, Jo Anne Beasley, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Browning Funeral Home Chapel in Pontotoc, MS. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. Friday, until the time of service. Dr. Bryant Barnes will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Guinn Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association , 225 N. Michigan Avenue, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or at www.alz.org

Published in Kansas City Star on Dec. 13, 2016