Date of birth: 14 Apr 1927
Date of death: 03 Mar 2013

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Burial Information

Section 06 (Click Here for Section Map)
Cemetery: Odd Fellows Cemetery
Plot: 2070-00
Status: Occupied

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Veteran Information

Branch: US NAVY

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Notes

Henry Woodson Earle, Jr. was born on April 14, 1927 to Henry Woodson Earle, Sr. and Minta Brazil Earle. He graduated from Clarksdale High School and spent the next 15 months in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy he attended Ole Miss on a football scholarship. He transferred his scholarship to Delta State Teacher's College where he was a member of the tennis, diving and football teams.

After graduating from Delta State College in 1951, Woodson moved to Lexington where he made it his home for the next 62 years. According to Mr. Earle his calling in life was to work with young people. At Lexington High School he coached football, basketball and track. He coached football at Lexington High School for 17 years and served two years as Athletic Director.

Coach Earle spent 14 years at Holmes Junior College as a math instructor and assistant academic dean. After retiring he joined Central Holmes Academy as Head football and track coach. He spent 5 years at Central Holmes Academy winning State Championships in football and track. Coach Earle also taught swimming lessons at the Holmes Country Club for 50 years.

Woodson was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher, MYF teacher and Lay Leader. During his life he had many achievements. Among them were: Eagle Scout Rank, inducted into Delta State's Coaches Hall of Fame, Home Town Hero and Distinguished Service Award in 1991 at Holmes Community College.

Woodson Earle was married to Lillie Reed Bennett Earle. They had threes daughters, Ann Stringer of Canton, Minta Davis of Wesson and Woody Lew Ruschewski of Benton.

Coach Earle was a loving and devoted husband and father, loving grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, faithful friend, and a man of the highest order. He left a lasting legacy to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

More information, family relationships, and images may be found by CLICKING HERE (external link)

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Walking directions