A good, practical, and “real deal” man, James Robert Earnest, departed this life on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Sanctuary Hospice House after a period of declining health and a broken heart after the death of his wife, Wilma, just over one year ago. He was 81. Born May 12, 1943 in the Egypt Community of Chickasaw Co. to the late Robert Lee Earnest and Eva Oniece Posey Earnest, James Robert lived his entire life in Chickasaw Co. before moving to Shannon seven years ago. A man great with his hands, he began early in life manufacturing furniture eventually owning JR’s Custom Furniture Manufacturing Co. After retiring from furniture, James Robert owned and operated the Ole Country Store in the Egypt Community, which was a fixture and the central attraction in that community. He wed the love of his life, Wilma Long Earnest, on Sept. 1, 1961, a marriage of 63 years until her death on July 29, 2023. James Robert loved family, especially “Miss” Wilma who was his everything, his children and his grands. A practical jokester, he loved fishing, traveling and good conversation. He and Wilma were longtime members of First Baptist Church-Okolona.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 in the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Randy Lewman officiating. Private family burial will follow in East Chickasaw Gardens. Visitation will begin at Noon Friday at the Holland-Okolona Chapel which is honored to be serving their friends.
Survivors include his two daughters, Susan Earnest Butler of Ripley and Bridgett Earnest Stidham and husband, Justin of Shannon; his grandchildren, Jake (Brennon), Mattie (Josh), Trent, Colby, Riley and Colton; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Eden; a brother, Eugene Earnest (Nell) of Alexandria, La.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wilma, and a daughter, Renee Earnest.
Pallbearers will be Trent Harmon, Josh Clemons, Dee Sullivan, Colby and Colton Stidham, and Jake Butler. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Jolly and Justin Stidham.
The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38802 and request memorials to be made there.
