“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
Paul Ott Carruth’s strength was renewed as he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior at 10 a.m., Sunday, July 1, 2018, while at home in his favorite place on Lake Dixie Springs.
Funeral services to celebrate the incredible life of this beloved husband, father, brother and friend were held at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church, 1108 Robb St., Summit, Dr. Larry LeBlanc and Dr. Jimmy Porter officiated, with the members of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Park serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Luke Brewer, Butch Dickson, Fred Foster, Charley Frye, Marty Gamblin, Amos Parker, Tom Lester, Johnny Ott, Cloy Smith, Joe Stone and Jimmy Walker. A private burial followed the service. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb was in charge of arrangements.
Paul Ott was born Sept. 25, 1934, in McComb.
As a 7-year-old child, Paul Ott was baptized at First Baptist Church, Summit, where he continued to be a proud member for the past 76 years.
After graduating from Summit High School, he attended Southwest Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi, and he completed his degree in education at the University of Southern Mississippi. After completing his education, he served his country in the United States Army. He then married the late Alberta Futch Carruth and lived in Hattiesburg with his young family while he taught physical education and served as the director of the YMCA.
His passion for music and the outdoors began to drive him, and he realized the need that America had for protecting its environment. Knowing how the economy must thrive and continue to grow, he realized there must be some kind of harmony between the two, and what better place to start than educating our citizens. He returned home to Pike County where his love for the outdoors started and launched one of the most powerful educational programs Mississippi and other states across the country has known and grown to love over the last 50 years.
Paul Ott reached over 1 million students from kindergarten to the college level, spreading his message about wildlife conservation and his love for “God, family and country.” He performed at all 50 state-level conventions in agriculture, wildlife and environmental conferences and for three Presidents of the United States and six Joint Sessions of Legislature across the country. He performed at all 50 State Governor’s Wildlife Conservation Awards conventions in addition to Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada, Mexico and South Africa. He wrote, produced and performed 10 different promotions for each of the 50 states’ Wildlife Federations and also the National Wildlife Federation of Washington, D.C. He led the fight as president of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation to help save the last 40 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes from extinction in the late 1970s. His songs, TV, radio, newspaper interviews and personal appearances carried the message.
His fighting spirit continued as he spurred a grassroots campaign across the country for prayer at athletic events in our schools. He received numerous local, state and national awards for his dedication to wildlife conservation, God, family and country. He was chosen honorary president of the PTA for the State of Mississippi, received the Arbor Day Award for his unfailing effort to preserve our wildlife and natural habitat, and twice received the Conservation/Communication Award from the State of Mississippi. He received the National Garden Clubs of America Conservation Award, the Honorary Merit of Excellence Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and was the recipient of the coveted Southeast Tourism Award. He was the chairman of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center, and served on the Advisory Board for the Mississippi School of the Arts, and was proclaimed the Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Mississippi by the House of Representatives. He also served on the Advisory Board for Southwest Mississippi Community College, and was named Alumnus of the Year at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
His first album, “Message to Mankind,” has been placed in the Smithsonian Institute for the message it brings to the nation concerning our environment.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alberta Futch Carruth; and his parents Mr. and Mrs. AR Carruth.
Paul Ott Carruth was so incredibly proud of his family! Paul is survived by his wife, Lynda Newberry Carruth of Summit, five children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His children include Paul Ott Carruth Jr. and wife Lindsey of Trussville, Ala.; Carla Carruth Tigner and husband Bill of Sandestin, Fla.; Russ Blair Carruth and wife Melanie of McComb; Bert Holland Carruth and wife Gina of Trussville; and Jeff Thomas Blair Carruth and wife Missy of Summit. He was super proud of his grandkids — Courtney Carruth Nix and husband Joel, Drew Holland Tigner, Callie Carruth Russell and husband Brandon, Mary Claire Carruth, Carr Tigner, Luke Davis, Allie Carruth, Cade Carruth, Hastings Carruth, Emma Grace Carruth, Brewer Carruth, Davis Carruth and Carlyle Carruth; and two great-grands, Junior Nix and Mabrey Nix. He is also survived by two brothers, Benson Holland of Quitman and Steve Holland of Clinton; and sister, Ann Carruth Jackson of Summit.
The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Hospice Compasses of Brookhaven, and a special thanks to Dr. Ray Montalvo. In lieu of flowers, the family would request any memorials be made to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center (MAEC) in Meridian or charity of your choice.
While Paul Ott Carruth received numerous accolades for his service to our city, state and nation, he had no prouder accomplishment than having the honor of spreading the message of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One of his favorite verses, listed below, depicts his infectious approach to the public.
“Be kind to one another, …forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
