Harold Edward Waldrop

Published 10:06 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Harold Edward Waldrop, affectionately called “Poppy” by his family, was born February 24th, 1936 in Vinita, Oklahoma, and passed away on January 24th, 2025, at the age of 88. The family is very thankful for the compassionate care he was given during his time at Highland Home. Growing up in Craig County in northeast Oklahoma, Poppy was an athletic standout at Vinita High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Minta Garland. They celebrated their 69th anniversary last October. After graduating from high school, he went to work for JCPenney in Tulsa. He started as a “stock boy” and rose to manage one of the largest J.C. Penney’s store in the United States in Atlanta. He worked for Penney’s 41 years, retiring in Jackson. Poppy, a devout follower of Jesus Christ, believed a man’s highest calling was to serve his fellow man. After retiring from Penney’s and inspired by his daughter Krista, he worked tirelessly for the charity Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty (MadCAAP), in building homes for the poor. He also started a community garden in Canton to feed the needy. A life-long member of the Church of Christ, Mr. Waldrop led church services every Sunday at Sunnybrook Retirement Home for many years. He also ministered to children residing in the Sunnybrook Children’s Home. For his devotion to helping those less fortunate than himself, Harold Waldrop was selected as Citizen of the Year for Madison County and featured in several newspapers and periodicals, including the national publication PEOPLE Magazine. In his spare time Poppy enjoyed watching Mississippi State sports, visiting Civil War battlefields and growing tomatoes and blueberries. He is survived by his wife, Minta, his children, Kathy Howington (Tim), Karen Robison (John), and Krista Waldrop. Grandchildren include Chris (Jami), Jason (Rebecca), Joshua (Casey) Michael, Eric (Nikki), Bethany (Collins) and Jay (Kassie). He also had 10 great-grandchildren: Hayden, Gage, Jada, Eli, Randy, Emilee Grace, Erin, Danika, Boone, and Kamden. He was always filled with great joy when he was surrounded by his family. Poppy is preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Emma Waldrop, and his brothers Bob and Melvin. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Alice and Emma Jean. Visitation and burial will be a private family affair conducted by Parkway Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to MadCAAP, at madcaap.org or P.O. Box 217, Canton, MS 39046.