Billy "Rex" Jarrett, beloved husband, father, friend, and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on June 13, 2025. He was born on August 25, 1937, in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Rex was the cherished son of E. E. Jarrett and Esther Jarrett.
On August 25, 1958, Rex married the love of his life, Janice Stribling Jarrett, after a whirlwind courtship of just two weeks. Their bond was immediate and enduring spanning 63 years of marriage partnership and deep devotion. They worked side by side, six days a week, for many decades, building a life with purpose and love.
Rex was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Bruce, Mississippi, where he served faithfully as a deacon. He had a deep love for his pastors and church friends over the years, offering his unwavering support and kindness to all.
A man of many interests, Rex was passionate about genealogy and Civil War history. He was a member of the Lions Club and an avid fisherman – especially fond of Crappie fishing and hand grabbling on Grenada Lake. He was a skilled gardener and founding member of Calhoun Academy.
In 1966, Rex founded the Cavalier Shoppe and later the Debonair Shoppe, where he spent the next 43 years working with joy, energy, and an unmistakable passion for people and style. He worked 365 days a year, always with a whistle on his lips and excitement in his step. His enthusiasm for retail was genuine and infectious. He loved his employees and his customers dearly and had remarkable memory of names and life stories. Rex sold suits in all 50 states and 17 foreign countries, dressing generations of businessmen, students and high-profile athletes alike.
A devoted supporter of the University of Mississippi, Rex was a proud Ole Miss Rebel. He was a founding member and president of the Ole Miss Men's Basketball Tip-Off Club and served as chapter advisor to Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was frequently invited to speak to Ole Miss seniors preparing for job interviews, offering guidance on dressing for success, something he believed in deeply.
Rex Jarrett leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, hard work, and deep personal connection. He will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp mind, and unwavering joy for life.
Rex was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Stribling Jarrett, his parents E. E. and Esther Jarrett; his sister Jean Jarrett Bevill; and his son in law Michael Caples. He is survived by his daughters Rhonda Jarrett and Sylvia Jarrett Caples; grandchildren Paul Brown (Cricket), Janna Brown, Mary Chosen Caples, and Katie Caples and great-grandchildren Stetson Brown and Kamp Brown.
A graveside service will be held at Memory Memorial Gardens, on June 16, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Bro. Darrell Logan and Jimmy Hubbard will be officiating the tribute to Rex's memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the City of Bruce Beautification Projects in honor of his best friend, Mayor Jimmy Hubbard.
One of his favorite sayings reflecting on both his work ethic and sense of humor was: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise" This sums up the way he approached business and life: with energy, determination, and a good dose of wit.
Hotty Toddy!
Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Jarrett family during this difficult time of loss.
