A Magnolia man well known for his musical abilities and love for fishing was found dead of an apparent drowning in a pond in the Progress community Tuesday, authorities say.
Pike County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Greg Martin said deputies were called out to a pond located near 3081 Charlie Rhodus Road, where they discovered the body of Terrell “Midget” Gatlin, 53, of Magnolia.
Martin said it appears Gatlin was fishing in a small aluminim boat when it capsized. He apparently fell out and drowned. The incident occurred either Monday night or Tuesday morning, Martin said.
The owner of a home near the pond called deputies about 12:24 p.m. Tuesday. Martin said the resident noticed a vehicle near the pond Monday night. When he saw the vehicle again Tuesday morning, he went to investigate and found Gatlin’s body floating in the pond.
Deputies waded about 10 feet into the pond and recovered the body, Martin said.
Pike County Coroner Percy Pittman pronounced Gatlin dead on scene.
Officials with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pike County Civil Defense responded to the scene.
Gatlin had been the guitar player for the Williams Brothers soul-gospel group.
McComb radio personality Thomas “Superman” Richardson said he knew Gatlin well.
Richardson said Gatlin began his musical career with the band the Bright Stars. One of the Williams Brothers heard Gatlin play and took an interest. Gatlin sang and played lead and bass guitar with the group from about 1974 until 2012, Richardson said.
Richardson, who broadcasts on WAZA 107.7 FM, said he is dedicating his show to Gatlin this week. Listeners can tune in to the station during his segment from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“I’m going to be playing his music. I’m playing music from his last CD. Some of his songs are already the most requested ones I get. But I’m putting together a special program in his memory,” he said.
