Individual Details

Death

Ernest C. Garvin was born September 29, 1919, in Newton County, Mississippi and departed Sunday, October 28, 2007, in Laurel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2007, at Highland Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery. Ernest was a member of Highland Baptist Church and served his country in World War II in the Army Air Force. He served three years overseas in the Middle East, North Africa, and Italy. At various times he was attached to the Free French, the British 8th Army, and the 15th Air Force. He was a graduate of George S. Gardiner High School. He also graduated from Jones Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in business. He retired from Masonite Corp and served one term in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Ernest was a member of the American Legion, who will conduct his graveside services. As a member of the Kiwanis International, he received the Tablet of Honor and was Lt. Governor of the District 3 Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Tennessee Division. He served on the Council on Aging and was a former President of the Jones County Baptist Brotherhood. He served as a Deacon in the Baptist Church for over fifty years and faithfully taught a men's Bible class for forty-nine years. He was a long time member of the American Red Cross, where he served as a board member and disaster worker. His parents, Ellison and Maudie Garvin, and his daughter, Deborah Furr preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Edna; daughter and sons-in-law, Lynne and J.M. Blackledge of Laurel, Robert Furr of Brookhaven; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Cindy Garvin of Laurel; two brothers, Edward and Ann Garvin of Hattiesburg, Robert and Carol Garvin of Kentucky; one sister, Bernadine Johnston of Laurel; seven grandchildren, Lisa and Jeff Elmore of Columbus, Jeffrey and Misty Blackledge of Laurel, Chris and Kathryn Furr of Mountain View, AR, Katie Furr of Brookhaven, Cliff and Angela Furr of Wesson, Matt Garvin and Kaitlyn Garvin of Laurel; three great grandchildren, Jade, Mallory and Jacob Blackledge of Laurel; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Matt Garvin, Jeff Blackledge, Chris Furr, Cliff Furr, Jeff Elmore, and nephews Larry Johnston and Bill Garvin. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Garvin and members of the Senior Adult Men's Class of Highland Baptist Church. Rev. Tim Hubbard and Rev. Joe Garvin will conduct the service. Memory Chapel is in charge of all arrangements and will host visitation today from 5:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Red Cross or Highland Baptist Church or your favorite charity. Published in the Clarion Ledger on 10/30/2007.