Famous People You May Not Know Were Born and Buried in Mississippi

Mississippi is the birthplace of a lot of famous people. People who leave the Magnolia state to find fame, often never return to live there in their lifetime. However, it's an old southern tradition to be laid to rest in the place where you have roots and family. That was the case with each of these celebrities. These are five famous people who were born and buried in Mississippi.

Jimi Jamison (1951 - 2014)

Lead singer for the rock bands Survivor, Cobra, and Target. Jimi Jamison was the second lead singer for Survivor, replacing Dave Bickler in 1984. His vocals were amazing and breathed new life into the band. He sang on many of the band's biggest hit recordings, including "I Can't Hold Back," "High on You," "The Search is Over," and "Is This Love." In the 1990s, he co-wrote and performed his solo artist hit "I'm Always Here," which became the theme song for the TV series "Baywatch." He was born Jimmy Wayne Jamison in Durant, Mississippi. Although he moved with his mother to Memphis right after his birth and often claimed Memphis as his hometown, he still had roots in Mississippi. He was buried in Harmonia Cemetery in Newport, Mississippi. His mother and several relatives are also buried there.

Jimi JamisonPhoto byPromo photo/ tombstone photo shared by Lacy Jamison to Facebook

Tom Lester (1938 - 2020)

Actor Tom Lester was best known for his role as farmhand Eb Dawson on the popular CBS show “Green Acres," where he appeared in 150 episodes from 1965 to 1971. He also had guest appearances on “Petticoat Junction,” “The Beverly Hillbillies," “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Knight Rider,” and “Santa Barbara.” Born and raised on a farm in Laurel, Mississippi, he was a natural for the role of a farmhand; however, he was no simpleton. After graduating from Laurel High School, he atteded the University of Mississippi, where he received a B.Sc. degree in chemistry and biology. Lester's faith played a major part of his life. Each year, during summer breaks on "Petticoat Junction," he traveled the country speaking to churches and youth groups. He returned to Mississippi in between his acting roles and remained there much of his life. He was buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery in his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi.

Tom Lester, MississippiPhoto byGrave photo provided by John W. Rhoden (Findagrave.com)

Lightnin' Chance (1925 - 2005)

Floyd Taylor Chance, known as "Lightnin,'" was a legendary acoustic bass player and session musician for multiple country and pop hit songs. He's often remembered as Nashville's most famous and prolific bass player. He played on Hank Williams' last session, which included the songs "Take These Chains From My Heart," "Kaw-liga," and "Your Cheatin' Heart." He also played on the Everly Brothers "Bye, Bye, Love" and "Bird Dog." He was a staff musician on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1950s and 1960s, performing with Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson, among others. His nickname, Lightnin', came from his days playing football in Como, Mississippi, where he was born and raised. He lived in Nashville most of his adult life and passed away there. He was laid to rest in Love Cemetery in Hernando, Mississippi.

Lightnin'' Chance, MississippiPhoto byAdded bu MikeMack (Findagrave.com)

Chris Ethridge (1947 - 2012)

Chris Ethridge was a bass guitarist, songwriter, session player, and founding member of the band The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. He recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Leon Russell, Delaney Bramlett, Johnny Winter, Randy Newman, Graham Nash, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, The Doors, and Jackson Browne. He toured with Willie Nelson's band for almost eight years and later played with the Kudzu Kings. He was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, where he often returned over the years. He was living there when he passed away of pancreatic cancer in 2012. His grave is in the Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian.

Flying Burrito bros., Chris Etheridge gravestone, MississippiPhoto byGravestone photo added by Gale G Parker (Findagrave.com)

John Carroll Dye (1963 - 2011)

John Carroll Dye was an actor best known for his role on the TV series "Touched By an Angel." He was cast as Andrew, the Angel of Death, and remained on the series from 1995 to 2003. He also appeared in several other TV shows, including "The Young and the Restless" and "Murder, She Wrote," and in films including Modern Girls and Best of the Best. Born and raised in Armory, Mississippi, his family moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, when John was a teenager. At Cleveland High School, he was introduced to acting. His family moved back to Mississippi to Tupelo shortly before his senior year, and he graduated from Tupelo High. He often returned to Mississippi to help with charity and theater events. He passed away in California in 2011 but was buried in his hometown of Armory at Haughton Memorial Park.

John Carroll Dye, MississippiPhoto byPhotos added by Robert Patterson and Patricia Horne (Findagrave.com)

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