Gary Keith Looney, age 60, passed away on March 1st at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch. Gary was born August 24, 1959, to Eugene and Troye Looney in Eudora, Mississippi. At age 18, he began a life-long career in law enforcement that spanned 42 years and numerous counties in north Mississippi. He graduated Basic Police Training and earned NRA Expert Marksmanship certification in 1984. Chief Looney also held certificates in Hostage Negotiation, Satanic & Ritualistic Crime, Advanced Crime Scene Investigation, and Child Abuse & Exploitation, among many others. Gary worked as Chief Deputy of Desoto County (Sheriff James Riley) and Marshall County (Sheriff Jimmy Dale Green & Sheriff Earnest Cunningham), and as an Alcorn County Sheriff’s Deputy (Sheriff Jimmy Taylor). Most recently, he has served as Chief of Police in Byhalia for the last 12 years. Gary loved being a Law Enforcement Officer, and throughout his career he exhibited daily dedication to the safety of the public and his fellow officers through his commitment and dedication to the communities he served.

Nothing brought Gary greater joy than being a husband, father, and grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 27 years, Lisa Palmer Looney; his children: Brandon Leak (Janalee) of Lamar, Eddie Looney (Christina) of Senatobia, Jamye Thweatt (Jonathan) of Byhalia, Zachary Looney of Waterford, and Zane Looney (Hannah) of Waterford; his grandchildren: Preston Leak, Claire Leak, Jackson Leak, and Owen Thweatt; 2 sisters: Brenda Taylor (Howard) of Eudora and Sharon Looney of Tchulahoma; 3 brothers: David Looney (Judy) of Sarah, Warren Looney (Judy) of Arkabutla, and Billy Looney of Byhalia; his mother-in-law, Maxine Smith Palmer; a host of nieces and nephews; and his law enforcement brothers and sisters. Gary attended Spring Hill Baptist Church in Waterford. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Gene Looney and Michael Looney; 2 sisters: Charlotte Looney and Linda Looney; and his father-in-law, Harold Palmer.

Funeral services will be held March 6, 2020 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. There will be a visitation Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Burial will be at Spring Hill Cemetery. _________________________________. Pallbearers are Byhalia Police Officers David Taylor, Billy Smith, Ben Moore, Victoria Jackson, Missy Sansom, and Marshall County K-9 Officer Billy Mitchell. Honorary Pallbearers are Byhalia Police Officers Guy Rivers and David Pannell, Preston Leak, Claire Leak, Jackson Leak, Owen Thweatt, Jmaes Miller and Anthony Irizarry.