Ennis O'Donnelle LaVelle

Ennis O'Donnelle LaVelle went to be with the Lord on November 27, 2024. Ennis, known by family and friends as Buddy, lived most of his adult life in Burlison, but had been residing in Atoka for the last seven years with his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Doyle Sanders.He was born in Memphis, TN on September 4, 1929, to James Elbert LaVelle and Elzora Baskin LaVelle.Buddy attended school at Parham Grade School in North Little Rock, Burlison School in Burlison, and graduated from Little Rock Central High School.He then served two years in the U.S. Army as a member of the Signal Corps at Fort Mt. Monmouth in New Jersey. After leaving the Army, he married Olean Branch LaVelle. They resided in North Little Rock where he worked for the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company until they moved back to Burlison. In 1951, he began working at the Millington Naval Base in civil service as a painter until his retirement in June of 1983. After his retirement, he continued to work as an independent house painter for 20 years. Buddy was a member and Deacon at Smyrna Baptist Church in Burlison where he enjoyed fellowshipping with members. He was a Sunday School teacher, R. A. Leader, and a member of the church choir. He also enjoyed helping maintain the physical church building, where he spent many hours helping to solve maintenance issues.Buddy and Olean were married on January 13, 1951. They were happily married for 71 years until her death on March 3, 2022.He leaves his daughter, Lynn LaVelle Sanders, and her husband, Doyle, grandsons, Jordan B. Sanders and his wife, Lindsey, Jake Sanders and his wife, Amanda, and great grandson, Griffin Doyle Sanders. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Annette Branch Gilbreath, of Burlison, his sisters, Stella LaVelle Smith, and Norma LaVelle of Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olean, their only son, Ken LaVelle, Buddy's brother, J. E. LaVelle, and sister, Jackie Mathena.Buddy was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Lynn, son-in-law Doyle, grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Jordan and Lindsey, Jake and Amanda and their son, Griff, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, his caregiver / nurse, Jade Brook, and other family members and friends.All services will be private.
Funeral HomeMaley-Yarbrough Funeral Home
1701 Highway 51 S
Covington TN - 38019
US
(901) 476-9778
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