George A. Looney, Jr.

Petal, MS resident George A. Looney, Jr., 84, passed away April 30, 2020. George departed this life peacefully with his beloved wife, Judy, at his side. Due to the virus, there will be no service at this time. The family will hold a small service at a later date.

Mr. Looney was born March 3, 1936, in Whitton, AR, to George & Minnie (Russell) Looney. George was raised in Whitton and Tyronza, AR. George moved to Clarksdale, MS where he graduated from high school. After high school, George attended mechanical drafting school in Memphis, TN. While in Memphis, George met and actually interacted with Elvis Presley.

George served in the United States Army from 1958-1960. While in the military, George served in Europe. After being honorably discharged from the Army, George relocated to Huntsville, AL and then to Birmingham, AL for work. While in Birmingham, George became a father to Wendy. Later, George moved to Daphne, AL before moving one final time to Petal, MS.

George was the Senior Designer at BE&K Engineering in Mobile, AL. He was a proud man and a gifted mechanical draftsman. George enjoyed meeting and talking to people. He also loved watching professional wrestling and football. George liked to remain busy and was usually working around the home on various projects when he wasn’t tending to their dog “Bella”.

George was married to his beloved wife, Judy B. (Shumake) Looney of Ellisville, MS. George and Judy were married for 30 years. As noted, George and Judy relocated from Daphne, AL to Petal, MS after retirement to be closer to Judy’s family.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George & Minnie Looney; and his three brothers, J.R., Joe Edd and Bill Looney of Arkansas.

George is survived by many loving family members: His sisters, Ruby Looney Wiley, married to Tom Wiley, and Martha Looney Buffington, married to James Buffington, along with many nieces and nephews. George is also survived by his loving daughter, Wendy Romine, his son in law, Rusty Romine, and his granddaughter, Cassidy “Cassie” Romine, of Tuscaloosa, AL. Cassie has her grandfather’s eyes.

George also had stepsons Richard Brooks, married to Liz Brooks, and Stephen Brooks, married to April Brooks. Richard’s children were also George’s grandchildren; Austin & Ashley Brooks of Brandon, MS. To Austin and Ashley, their grandfather was known as “Paw Paw George.”

George was especially close to Judy’s sister and her husband / George’s sister in law and brother in law, Vickie & Jim Polk of Prentiss, MS. Vickie’s daughter, Melissa Holifield of Laurel, MS was George’s niece and visited often. The family thanks God for Vickie and Jim for helping Judy through this very difficult time.

George A. Looney, Jr. lived a full life. He was a gentle and peaceful man who was loved by everyone who met him. George will truly be missed.