Earnest Dale Graham

Born May 19,1937

Earnest Dale Graham, 84, of Laurel passed away Friday, May 13, 2022, at South Central Regional Hospital in Laurel.  He was a avid outdoorsman and member/deacon of First Baptist Church Moss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Graham and Blanche Stringer Graham of Laurel.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Lou Ella Graham; his brother, Charles (Carolyn) Graham and sisters, Selena (Charles) Flynt all of Laurel and Sue (Jerry) Hodge of Moselle; his children, Stacy (Mickey) Graham of Laurel and Blain (Carol) Graham of Pearl River, LA; his step children, Jimmy (Mary) Gilbert of Laurel and Tony (Kathy) Gilbert all of Bay Springs; grandchildren, Caleb Graham and Kara (Steven) Gavin all of Laurel and Tori, Jon Michael, and Jayme Graham all of Pearl River, LA; his step grandchildren, Corey (Autumn) Gilbert and Jerimie Gilbert and Bryce Gilbert and Bailey Gilbert; his great grandchildren, Brinley Graham and Addison and Brooklyn Gavin; his step great grandchildren, Ella, Kailey, and Braxton Gilbert.

He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served for three years as a heavy equipment operator.  He was a very patriotic person and after the Army, he was employed by Texaco working off shore for 23 years until he retired.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener.

Pallbearers will be Charles Flynt, Steven Gavin, Caleb Graham, Charles Graham, Jerry Hodge, and George Ishee.

The honorary pallbearers will be Bill Crabtree, Joe Larry Shelby, Wallace Smith, Ben Stringer, and Royce Stringer.

In lieu of flowers, please make your memorial contribution to First Baptist Church Moss, C/O Tony Johnson, Pastor, 688 Sharon Moss Road, Laurel, MS 39443.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 16, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Interment to follow in Moss Memory Gardens. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Laurel is in charge of the arrangements.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com