Manfred Tyson Saylors Obituary (1946

Manfred Tyson Saylors, 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at NMMC Hospice. A lifelong resident of Booneville, MS, Manfred was a man of deep faith, dedication to his community, and an unwavering love for his family and his Mississippi State Bulldogs. Manfred graduated from Wheeler High School in 1964, where he excelled as a basketball player and served as Student Body President. He continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College before earning his Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in 1968. He began his career as a coach in Booneville, mentoring young athletes in football and basketball alongside Jim Drewry and Geral Caveness. However, Manfred is perhaps best known for his storied 48-year career as a State Farm Agent. Before retiring in November 2021, he earned numerous prestigious honors, including 35 consecutive years of the Crystal Excellence Designation and 35 consecutive years in the Legion of Honor and Ambassador’s Club. Manfred was a devoted member of Christ Methodist Church in the Blackland community. An avid traveler and golfer, he was also a legendary supporter of Mississippi State University, proudly ranked #732 out of over 10,000 Bulldog Club members. Whether he was traveling the world or enjoying his “Morning Coffee Club.” Manfred’s presence was a staple in his community. Of all his achievements, Manfred’s greatest joy came from his family. Above all else, his favorite, most important, and what made him most happy was his granddaughter, Emma Saylors. He loved her dearly and made sure to talk about her to everyone he met. Manfred is survived by his wife, Joy Saylors; his sons, Paul Tyson Saylors (Shannon) of Saltillo, and John Manfred Saylors of Booneville; granddaughter, Emma Saylors of Saltillo; and brother, Deryl Saylors (Brenda) of Booneville. He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie Ree and Gladys Dean Moore Saylors, and his brothers, Dean Saylors and Kerry “K-Boy” Saylors. Funeral services will be held at Booneville Funeral Home with the following schedule: Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Saturday visitation will resume at 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Bro. Bill Beavers and Joe Coggins will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Melvin Geno, Greg Geno, Jimmy Moore, Wilbert Walden, Ron Whitehead, Larry Morgan, and Berry Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be his Morning Coffee Club and his State Farm Family. On behalf of the family, we would like to send a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and the medical staff of the NMMC ICU Unit, Palliative Care Unit and the Hospice Unit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Methodist Church-Blackland or the Prentiss County Cross Campaign.