Harry Milton Easley, Sr., 92, of Madison, MS, passed away on November 28, 2025, at home surrounded by his wife and family.
Harry was born on November 12, 1933, in Port Gibson, MS, to Oby W. Easley, Sr. and Pauline Peck Easley. He grew up loving the outdoors, especially hunting. As a young teenager he also developed a passion for farming—growing everything from corn and ryegrass to tending cows. These early loves stayed with him throughout his life.
Harry’s other passion was high school sports, especially football. He was such a good athlete, he played with the high school at a younger age and was chosen as a captain on all the sports teams he played on. Although he earned a scholarship to Co-Lin, sports took a backseat when he returned home after several months to the love of his life, Joyce Perkins. They married soon after and celebrated their 74th anniversary in 2025.
After marriage, Harry and Joyce moved to Vicksburg and later to Jackson. Harry worked in machine shops, where he learned his craft as a machinist and tool & die maker. In 1973, Harry opened his own machine shop, Easley’s Machine Shop. He owned and operated this very successful business for 30 years in the Jackson area.
Harry’s faith in Jesus Christ was extremely important to him. He and Joyce were founding members of Wesley Methodist Church in Jackson, which later became St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison. In recent years, they joined Wellspring Church in Madison.
Alongside his work and faith, Harry’s love for the outdoors never faded. He purchased land in Claiborne County, where he spent many hours on his tractor getting ready for hunting season. Every year he would grow vegetables in his backyard garden, which produced enough to give to his friends and family. The vegetable garden and fruit trees kept him extremely busy but very happy.
Above all, Harry’s greatest happiness came from his family—especially his three children, eight grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Nothing made him smile more than being surrounded by them.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Oby Easley, Jr.; his uncle, D.V. Easley (who was like a brother); and his son, Harry Easley, Jr.
Harry is survived by his wife, Joyce Perkins Easley; his sister, Bettye E. Harmon; his children, Charles Easley (Tricia) and Deborah Lee (Larry); his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Easley; and his grandchildren: Brian Easley, Stefanie Hall, Simeon Ustruck, Kristen Owens, Danielle Condie, Eric Lee, Amber Easley, and Elizabeth Easley; as well as twenty-three great-grandchildren.
