Wayne Earnest

OKOLONA – Herbert Wayne Earnest, "Wayne," 78, departed this life on October 9, 2023 at Monroe Regional Hospital in Aberdeen after a period of declining health. Wayne was born in Chickasaw County on July 10, 1945 to the late A. J. and Edna Lewis Earnest. He attended Egypt and Okolona Schools where he was a standout football player. He married the love of his life, Syble Ann Worthy, on December 10, 1965 in the Nettleton Church of Christ. A 23-year employee of Futorian Furniture Mfg Co., Wayne spent the last working years of his life working for the Chickasaw County Road Department. Known by many as "Daddy Rabbit," Wayne enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting, raising a garden, and caring for his chickens. He loved life and cherished his family!
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, October 16, 2023 in the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Bobby Lynn Brock officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon from 2 PM-4PM and from Noon-service time on Monday, all at Holland-Okolona Chapel, which is honored to serve their friends.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Syble Earnest; one son, Phillip "Phil" Earnest, both of Okolona; grandchildren, Andrew Earnest (Brandy) of Wren, Kayla Earnest (Bobby) of Fulton, and Kim Earnest (John) of Calhoun City; three great-grandchildren, Shane Schmidt of Okolona, Landon Baskin of Houlka, and Miracle Young of Fulton, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and all their families. He enjoyed a special friendship with Sam Russell, who survives. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Earnest, Jesse Worthy, Nathan Kelly, Billy Smith, Justin Cannon, John Roberson, Jeff Hood, and Jerry West.
Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.