Sidney Gilford Sullivan, 75, of Madison, MS, passed away Monday December 16, 2024. Sidney was born October 9, 1949 in Grenada County, MS, the son of Walter Dee and Emagene Little Sullivan. Sidney married Elaine Beckwith on August 25, 1972 at Grenada Church of God, in a double ceremony with his brother Jamie Sullivan marrying Sherry Beckwith. Sidney and Elaine had a love that endured for over 52 years, and they raised their two daughters Ashley Dawn and Allison Eve. He served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972 as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class stationed with the Marines and serving in Vietnam. He worked as an X-Ray Tech and eventually became head of the department at Mississippi Methodist Rehab Center for over 30 years until he retired in 2017. Sidney had many interests over the years. He could often be found outdoors hiking, geocaching, and bird watching. Whether it was visiting the fruit stand in the summer, visiting unique grocery stores when he traveled, making his famous potato soup or sneaking snacks that he wasn’t supposed to be eating, Sidney was known for his love of food–both cooking and eating. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He shared a love for history and nature with his two daughters. As a family, they would often visit various state and national parks and historic sites. If you ask his daughters their favorite memories with him, they will tell you it was spending Sunday afternoons riding up and down the Natchez Trace Parkway. He was a faithful member of Christway Church of God for almost 40 years where he served by helping prepare dinner for the kids on Wednesday night and in the kitchen for special events. Everyone who met Sidney loved him, he was known for his big heart and tenderness (often slightly hidden behind a grumpy demeanor). He was a beloved grandfather figure to many children of friends and family over the years. He was benevolent to the downtrodden; a friend to many; a beloved father; and a dedicated husband. Sidney’s death has left a big hole in many people's hearts, but his legacy of love and kindness is carried on by his beloved wife, daughters, family, friends, and all those that he met along the way. Visitation will be Friday December 20, 2024 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 3:00 pm at Natchez Trace Funeral Home.