Marion Bern Prewitt, Sr., owner-operator of Boyle Flying Service in Mississippi, passed away last week. Prewitt was 81 years old and a life-long resident of Bolivar County, Mississippi. Prewitt served on the NAAA Board for a number of years. In addition he served as Vice President in 2005. He was also active in the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association serving as president for two terms (1998 and 1999); a Delta Council Board Member and he served on the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum board in Jackson, Mississippi and on the National Agricultural Aviation Hall of Fame board.
He followed in the footsteps of his own father, becoming a Bolivar Country supervisor in 1992 and served in that position for 16. Bern was the firstborn child of Elmer Lawrence and Hattie McGarrh Prewitt, and a life-long resident of Bolivar County, Mississippi. In his leadership positions he corresponding personally with many key lawmakers over the years to facilitate vital assistance for the Mississippi Delta Region and the aerial application industry. Andrew Moore, NAAA executive director, stated “I remember on a number of occasions going up to the Hill to lobby with [Bern] on issues ranging from the fuel tax to aerial application research funding. On one particular occasion I remember going with him into a meeting with former United States Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and he brought in a miniature model of an ag aircraft for him to proudly display in his office (which he did—I saw it there on subsequent visits). His active lobbying helped us achieve success on these issues and the industry should be thankful for his efforts.”
Bern graduated from Boyle High School in 1955, then moved on to study at Mississippi State University for a time before returning to oversee the family farming operation growing cotton, rice, soybeans and corn. He was actively involved in the establishment of Boyle Flying Service in 1971, and the addition of Advanced Mosquito Control in 2006.
Bern is survived by his wife, Bobbye, and his two children and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Bern may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Mississippi Agricultural Museum, or First Baptist Church of Boyle. Click here for more information.
