Obituary- Barbara Gattis
Monday, January 5, 2026

It is with deep and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Gattis of the Furrs Community in Pontotoc County, Ms, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at North Alabama-Shoals Medical Center in Muscle Shoals. A cornerstone of her family and community, she spent her professional career as a dedicated medical insurance coder until her retirement. Alongside her beloved late husband, Danny, she was a vital partner in the operation of Diamond G Trucking, Diamond G Logistics, and Diamond G Farms. Her tireless work ethic and unwavering support were the backbone of both her family’s business and their home. She found her greatest joy in her family. She loved nothing more than watching her daughter, grandson, and granddaughters show horses. Above all, she was defined by her loving and caring spirit. She lived for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, providing a lifetime of encouragement and support. Her legacy of devotion and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Barbara was born in Tippah County on March 24, l947 to the late Robert Lee Rainey and Maola Edwards Rainey. She married the love of her life, Danny Gattis on Oct. 3, 1981. Danny died on Oct. 2, 2021.
A Service celebrating Barbara’s life will take place at 2 PM Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Jonathan Prince and Bro. Steve Cohea officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Holland-Tupelo Chapel from 4 PM-7PM tonight, 1/6/26 and will resume at Noon until service time on Wed. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at 2 PM Wed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming and will be archived thereafter.
She is preceded in death by her late husband, Danny Gattis, son, Stephen Tidwell, her parents Robert Lee and Maola Rainey, and brother, Jack Rainey.
Barbara is survived by daughter- Stephanie (James) Elliott, Tuscumbia, AL; grandchildren- Meagan (Jerry) Cade, Caledonia, MS; Morgan Holt, West Helena, AR; Chris (Kailey)Elliott, Tuscumbia, AL, and Cindy Elliott, Tuscumbia, AL. Great-Grandchildren: Maddy and Jon Alex Cade, Kenslee and Bentlee Holt, and Bellamy Ruth and Baylor Fay Elliott. Siblings: Bobby (Peggy) Rainey, Jane (Mitch) Hopper, Tommy (Sharon) Rainey, Gary (Debbie) Rainey, and Joy Rainey. Life-long Friend Kathy Shapley and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Chris Elliott, Jerry Cade, Shane Allday, Jeremy Rainey, Josh Rainey, Brandon Rainey, Dylan Rainey, and Evan Rainey.
The family extends special thanks to Diavita Dialysis-Muscle Shoals, Keller Home Care and Alabama Hospice of the Shoals and Shoals Hospital 4th Floor nurses for taking such good care of Barbara. Also, Joy Rainey and Ninka Elliott for helping take care of her.
More Stories |
-
Two brothers walk into a barn in Homer, Louisiana. Read that again. This is not one of those “bar jokes” but part of the story of John and Darden Gladney. When you grow up in a family with seven children, a sense of humor is essential. They have that, plus a strong loyalty to faith, family and horses.
Read More
-
Read More
-
Read More
-
The SCWHA and The Florence Charity Horse Show, scheduled for May 1–2, have announced the following updates to their class programs.
Read More
-
The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) will host a retirement celebration in honor of Carol Wakefield on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The event will take place from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Read More
-
Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez outlines 2026 enforcement priorities and industry collaborationThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently hosted an open house to discuss enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA), with Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez providing updates on enforcement priorities and procedures for 2026.
Read More
-
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee House of Representatives this week presented a resolution honoring Justified Honors, the first Tennessee Walking Horse in history to win the World Grand Championship four times at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville.
Read More
-
On February 27, 2026, 7xWGC and 6xWC Lined Walkin’ was humanely laid to rest at Joe Fleming Stables. Lined Walkin’ was owned and dearly loved by the Beth Beasley family.
Read More
-
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," is a famous quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. It signifies that even the most daunting or long-term goals can be achieved by focusing on the initial and manageable action.
Read More
-
Read More
|