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Earl Gene McIlwain was born December 28, 1931 in Starkville, MS to the late Daniel McIlwain and Savannah Blasingame McIlwain. He passed away on October 11, 2023 in Starkville, MS.
He was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church and a U.S. Korean War Veteran, serving four years in the Navy. After his stint in the Navy, he stayed in California and worked for 8 years in a large wholesale nursery where he developed his love of flowers. At that time, he decided it was time to return to Mississippi. After a few odd jobs he was hired by 4-County Electric Power Association as the first contract meter reader, a job he kept for 43 ½ years. After retirement, he decided he needed a hobby to keep busy so he began making jewelry, first from rock and stone which he polished and cut to different designs. Later he began to make them out of cedar, which he made into crosses. He made necklaces of different designs but always had a cross in them, these he gave away. He had a basket at church so anyone could go by and pick up one and always had a pocketful when he went anywhere, the grocery store, doctor’s office, and restaurants. He would give one to the clerk or door greeter, nurse or waitress. There are hundreds scattered in several counties as his way to witness for his Savior Jesus Christ.
Earl is survived by his wife, Juanita Walker McIlwain; son, Clifford McIlwain; daughter, Diana McIlwain Seay (Dwight); nine grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, Everly Grace Ault; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth E. McIlwain; daughter, Renae McIlwain; and daughter by love, Diane Jones Peery, whom he loved as much as his own; sister, Revalee McIlwain Nevels; and grandson, Levi McIlwain.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Center Grove Baptist Church in Maben, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Dr. Don Vaughn and Dr. Thad Moore will conduct the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
