Edgar Levi Hazzlerigg Jr. died peacefully at home Sunday, February 8, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born December 19, 1919 in Itta Bena, MS to Edgar Levi Hazzlerigg and Vivian Imogene (Carpenter) Hazzlerigg. "Junior" was preceded in death by one sister Mary Virginia Hullum, four brothers: W. C., Maurice, James and Larry Hazzlerigg. One grandson, Erik Raymond Dykes and three great grandchildren also preceded him: Lindsey Jane, Tyler James and Jackson Gerald Dykes.

Surviving siblings are Sally (Louis) Frazer, Pegram, TN; Vickie (Eddie) Smith of Vicksburg; and Henry (Doris) Hazzlerigg of Theodore, AL

Mr. Hazzlerigg was a Master Sargent during World War II serving in the 8th Army Air Corps from 1941-45. M/S Hazzlerigg served as aircraft flight chief for the Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron Station (Photo Cats) at Mount Farm and Chalgrove, England. While carrying out his assignments keeping the P-38 "Lightning's" and P-51 "Mustangs" flying, he received the War Department Distinguished Unit Citation from Colonel Elliott Roosevelt for extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and determination during the weeks before and during the Normandy invasion.
Mr. Hazzlerigg was known as a master mechanic and owner of Hazzlerigg's Garage, corner of Washington and Bowmar Avenue, for over 40 years. Edgar loved his wife and family above all else. "Junior" was an avid sportsman, both hunting, and loving freshwater and saltwater fishing. He loved the outdoors, growing and propagating plants and sharing them with others. After retiring he received an award for visiting Veteran nursing home patients for 800 hours in one year. Ed and his wife Fay also enjoyed the occasional barn dance at their farm in Bovina, MS. Mr. Hazzlerigg was an active member of the Knights of Pythias, the American Legion, Military Order of Cooties, Moose Lodge, and the V.F.W.

Mr. Hazzlerigg is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellen Fay (Mann) Rusche Hazzlerigg, two daughters: Tina (Dick) Grau of Vicksburg and Shirley (Jim Thomason) Lauderdale of Peachtree City, GA, three sons: Edgar L. (Cathy) Hazzlerigg III, of Las Vegas, NV; Phillip (Audrey) Rusche, and Paul Rusche, both of Vicksburg; Grandchildren: Brian (Wendy) Dykes, Terry, MS; Adam Dykes, Milan, MI; April Rusche Chapin and Joseph Rusche of Vicksburg, Shelley (David) Bowling of Cummins, Ga, Sarah Rusche of Houston, TX, Teresa J. Rusche of Biloxi, MS. Hollye (Joseph) Quimby of Vicksburg and Scott (Khaki) Hazzlerigg of French Settlement, LA., and fourteen great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation will take place at 1:00 on Thursday at First Christian Church, 3005 Porters Chapel Road, with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 at the church.