Houston S. Case, 100, of Brookhaven died on July 19, 2012.  A memorial service celebrating Mr. Case’s life will be at First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven on Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m.  Visitation will begin at noon at the church.

     Mr. Case, a lifelong resident of Brookhaven, was born Oct. 7, 1911, to W.L. (Lonnie) Case and Cattie Pearl Bowman Case. He was educated in the Brookhaven Public Schools and earned an Associate Degree in Business from Whitworth College. He was a businessman most of his working life, including founding and operating Case Tire and Supply Co. which sponsored summer league baseball teams for many years. He and his sons established a real estate company, Houston Case Realty, mid-1970’s to the early 90’s. A Brookhaven civic leader, he served as city alderman (1948-1952) and mayor (1973-1977). As alderman, he was instrumental in bringing Johnson Lawnmower Co. to the area and in acquiring the property where the Brookhaven Airport is now located. As an avid pilot, he inspired his wife and sons to become pilots. Major accomplishments as mayor included bringing Delphi Packard Co. (Packard Electric) to Brookhaven. He served as president of the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce and he was a member of the Lion’s Club. Mr. Case was proud of Brookhaven and interested in civic affairs to the end of his life.

     Among his passions were the stage and acting, which, along with pure fate, played a significant role in meeting his wife of 61 years, Thelma Smith, when she was teaching and directing stage productions at Whitworth College in Brookhaven. He and Thelma were charter members of the Brookhaven Little Theater where he performed the lead role in “Harvey”, and he and Thelma starred in “On Golden Pond.” They both were BLT John Landress Award winners.

     The First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven was Mr. Case’s church home for more than 80 years. He served in many leadership positions of the church, including chairman of the Board of Stewards, and was a member of the Chancel Choir. “Big Daddy”, as he was known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, aspired to follow Methodism founder John Wesley’s three rules: 1. Do no harm, 2. Do good, and, 3. Stay in love with God.

     Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Thelma Smith Case, formerly of Batesville, Ark.; brother, Harrison Case of Brookhaven; and sisters, Ivy Pearl Case Hosch of Tupelo, formerly of Jackson, Nellene Case Raabe of Lakeland, Fla., Margie Case Alford of Jackson, and Billie Jean Kistenmacher of Dallas. He is survived by a daughter, Kay Case Boone (Steve) of Jackson, and three sons, Jerry B. Case (Virginia) and Richard G. Case (Beverly) of Brookhaven and Stephen G. Case (Ellen) of Batesville, Ark.; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.

     The Case family wishes to express love and appreciation to Evelyn Stewart and Glenda Cavalier who were devoted and loving caregivers for several years.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be made to The First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven, 215 West Cherokee St., 39601; or The Brookhaven Little Theater, P. O. Box 943, Brookhaven, MS 39602.