Earl Moyer

Earl Wayne Moyer, age 73, died on May 30, 2021, with his sweetheart of 50 years by his side holding his hand.  He fought hard to stay with his family and although his spirit was strong, his earthly body was tired.

Earl was born on February 21, 1948, in Manila, Arkansas to J.A. “Jim” Moyer and Sylvia Lott Moyer.  He was baptized the same day as his dad at Milligan Ridge Baptist Church at the age of 13.  He graduated from Lambert High School in 1966 and Northwest Community College in 1968.  Earl was a self-employed farmer and lumberman in Quitman County for years before moving to Clarksdale, MS and opening a woodworking business, The Sawmill. In 1998 he and his family moved to Brandon, MS where he became well known at the local Madison Ace Hardware and Madison Lowe’s for his smile and supernatural ability to answer any customer’s question on any project.  His knowledge of all things was vast, he always knew a little bit about any subject, and was known as a “jack of all trades” to everyone who knew him.  Earl was a giver, he found joy in helping people, and would talk to anyone about anything – he never met a stranger.

Earl married the love of his life on November 28, 1970, at Walnut Baptist Church.  Earl and Ellen raised their family in the Walnut community and were active in Walnut Baptist Church where Earl was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Training Union director, and worked with the youth.  Earl continued his ministry with youth after moving to Clarksdale where he loved to accompany his girls on the Clarksdale Baptist Church youth group trips and activities.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Daniels Moyer, daughters Amy (Joel) Deer and Jenni (Lee) Smith both of Madison, MS, five grandchildren who he adored, Anna Veston Deer, Ryleigh Deer, Ford Smith, Millie Smith, and Moses Smith, doting big sister Polly George of Batesville, MS and brother John Moyer of Monette, AR.  He is preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings Ova Dee Wilson, Helen Martin, and Mary Susan Moyer, and his favorite brother-in-law Veston “Ves” George with whom countless beach trip memories were made.

Earl was a devoted husband, father, “Paw” and brother.  He enjoyed many things in life – more than we could ever name but will try.  He loved Pepsi and could not understand why everyone else did not.  He was the life of the party, loved a good joke (both hearing one and telling one), and he loved to dance.  His dance card was always full.  He gave the grandest hugs and always made you feel special and well loved.  He was a great “girl” dad and was proud that our home in Clarksdale was “the place” kids loved to come and hang out.  He loved Amy and Jenni’s friends like they were his own and was affectionally called Daddy Earl by many.  He loved to play dominoes with his friends and passed his love for the game to his granddaughter, who frequently beat him to his amazement.  He loved a good summer garden, followed by canning of Paw’s pickles, tomatoes and tomato juice.  Earl loved taking his homemade canned goods to everyone – from his grands to friends to co-workers, and even strangers (yes, that really did happen).  He was also a lover of chocolates with homemade fudge being his favorite.  Most of all, he loved the beach with his family.  He could be found searching for seashells, crab hunting, teaching the grandkids how to boogie board, making his famous soup, riding go-karts, playing miniature golf, or enjoying a beautiful beach sunset with his sweetheart by his side.  It was a full and beautiful life filled with so much happiness, laughter, and love.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 5th at 1pm at First Baptist Church of Fannin at 101 Church Road, Brandon, MS 39047.  There will be a visitation on Friday, June 4th from 5-7pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 1360 W. Government St., Brandon, MS 39042, and a visitation before the Celebration of Life from 11am to 1pm at First Baptist Church of Fannin.  If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Fannin Building Fund, or the American Cancer Society.