James Edward "Eddie" Townsend
(January 27, 1943 – May 20, 2025)

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins for James Edward "Eddie" Townsend, 82 of Hattiesburg, who passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at his residence.
Brother Wayne Woolwine and Brother Alan Alderman will officiate at the services with interment to follow in the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Seminary.  Special music will be provided by Cathy Lee. Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins will be in charge of the arrangements.
The family will receive guests from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3202 Highway 49, Collins, Mississippi.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Mitchell, Brennan Nelson, Jay Mitchell, Jeremy Everett, Josh Gatlin, Trey Rivet, Dalton McLendon, Bo Rylee, Cory Courtney, Ben Courtney and Hayden Courtney.
James was born to Charles Noel Townsend Sr. and Vervia Mae Thrash Townsend on January 27, 1943. James Edward "Eddie" Townsend grew up in the Bethel Community in Covington County and was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. As an equipment operator, he was a member of Local 624 on and off for forty-seven years. When Eddie wasn't working, he enjoyed farming, fishing, and traveling to the mountains. He was a devoted husband to Bonnie and father to his girls, But the greatest blessing was when he had time with his grandchildren and great-grand kids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Noel Townsend, Sr and  Vervia Thrash Townsend; two brothers, Charles Townsend, Jr and Billy Townsend; two sisters, Florine Townsend Lamb and Ondean Townsend Harris, one grandson Jason Stephens and one great-granddaughter, Aralei Nelson.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Morgan Townsend of Hattiesburg; one son, Bobby Courtney (Kim) of Gilbert, Arizona; seven daughters, Kimberly Townsend Jorns (Scott) of Hattiesburg, Karen Townsend Sullivan of Hattiesburg, Karla Townsend Everett (Kevin) of Carson, Ashley Townsend Williams (Calvin) of Hattiesburg, Sherri Smith Anderson (Travis) of Hattiesburg, Georgia Courtney Stringer (Creg) of Columbia and Kristie Courtney Rylee of Columbia; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com