Rufus Talbert “Tal” DeCell, III, died on September 1, 2015, in Natchez, MS. Tal was born on February 20, 1940. He graduated from Meridian High School with the Class of 1958 and then went on to East Mississippi Community College before obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1967.
Best known for his generosity, loyalty, perfectionism, quick wit, and a hard left hook, Tal was a multi-year Golden Gloves champion and also the holder of a state and tri-state middleweight title. He played football, at both the high school and collegiate level, was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity during his time at Southern Miss, and proudly served his country as a United States Marine. For over five decades, Tal was the proprietor of several local nightclubs including the Stone Toad, Tal’s Corral, The Library, Tal's Dart Bar and Tal’s Music Emporium where he hosted national headliners as well as future greats in the early stages of their careers. He also proudly offered local artists a stage for their music.
Tal leaves behind three children and their spouses: Star DeCell, David DeCell and his wife Meghan, Nikki DeCell Kossum and her husband Brian; six grandchildren: Alexis, Madeleine, Genevieve, Alec, Caden and Walker; two sisters, Joy Madry and Lynda George; a special niece, Mary-Lynne Gibbs, a special cousin, Bubber Buchanan along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and seven decades of long time friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Talbert DeCell, II and Yvette Lillian Buchanan;
and a sister, Donna Nichols.
SGM (Ret). Mose M. Saliba , Michael Saliba, Jr., SGM (Ret.) Billy Hatten, Ray Sigmund, Johnny Massengale, Dave Brandon USNR 1966-72, Freddy Crosby and George Spring will serve as pall bearers. Bubber Buchanan will serve as an honorary pall bearer.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Forrest Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, from 1:00-2:00. The service will follow at 2:00 in Forrest Chapel. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery with a Marine honor guard. A Celebration of Tal’s Life gathering will be held at Keg & Barrel immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a Celebration of Life Fund has been set up at http://gofund.me/483at53k, to offset funeral costs and the gathering after the service. Any remaining funds will be donated to Future Champs Boxing Club of Hattiesburg in Tal's name.

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