Earnest Murrell Long, Sr.

Earnest Murrell Long, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on July 10, 2019 with his siblings and family by his side. Earnest was born in Jonesboro LA, on September 20, 1954 to the late Robert Lee and Sarah Bowie Long. He gave his life to Christ and was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend Thess A. Baker, Sr. He faithfully attended worship service and was a member of Old Daughters Baptist Church in Wildsville, LA under the leadership of Rev. Thess A. Baker, Jr. until his death. In his early years, he grew up with his siblings in Joyce, LA. Later his family moved to Wildsville, LA. Earnest graduated from Ferriday High School in 1973. He was brought up to be kind, respectful, self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life. He worked in construction on various infrastructure projects. Later, he worked for Belden Wire and Cable of Jena, LA and Northeast Furniture of Jonesville, LA for a total of 30 years. He was a hard worker and paid attention to detail. He never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone.

Earnest loved the outdoors and staying active. He loved to garden and work with his hands. Whether it was cutting your grass, fixing your car, fixing your plumbing, fixing your washer or dryer, or installing your new ceiling fan, Earnest never slowed down. Beloved by his family and friends and known for his endless energy and generosity, “C-Baby” was always ready with a crescent wrench or pliers and a helping hand, leaving behind many mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects that will serve as memorials to his hard work and skill. Earnest also loved to cook, especially barbeque. He was always willing to share the harvest from his fruit trees and vegetable garden each year. His ultimate joy was spending time with his family. His love and affections for the little ones in the family was gentle and heartfelt. Earnest loved to tell stories about growing up on the family property in Wildsville and the many adventures of his youthful years. He loved attending church on Sundays both in Wildsville with his siblings, as well as in Jonesville with his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of the academic and athletic achievements and aspirations of his grandchildren and was blessed to attend many of their events.

Earnest is survived by his five children, LaSandra (Michael) Mackey, Sharone (Chevelle) Finister, Earnest, Jr, and Janice Whitehead of Jonesville, LA; and Quandarius of Baton Rouge, LA.  He was blessed with 15 grandchildren who brought joy to much of his final years—Sharone, Sylone, Tim’Mya, Faith, Ja’Quan, Jayden, Trinity, Jazmin, Nikita, Makayla, Michael, Jr., Aiden Senrae, LaWanda, Jatroy, RoShaundra and two great-great children Jayden and Sincere; mother of his children Nova Jean Finister Long of Jonesville, LA; two brothers, Robert Charles Long of Jonesville, LA, Kenneth Raye Long (Vernelle) of Dallas, GA; five sisters, Hattie Celestine of Greenville, MS; Vera Long Davis and Helen (Saul) Johnson of Wildsville, LA; Faye (Brady) Smith of Jonesville, LA; and Linda Long Mills of Wildsville, LA; one aunt, Jerlina Brackins of Jonesville, LA; god sister Cynthia Sam of Ferriday, LA; special god mother Rowena Williams of Jonesville, LA. In addition, he leaves numerous nieces and nephews proud to call him their uncle Earnest.  Earnest is preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Bobbie Jean Long, Jessie Brown Myles, Annie Long Myles, Geraldine Long Farris, Addie Bea Brown and one infant brother.

Although he will be forever missed, Earnest leaves behind a happy legacy of love and service and a standard of integrity and devotion to which his family and friends can aspire. We will remember Earnest by heeding this frequent exhortation to “be good to one another” and follow his example of extending a helping hand to others. Beloved father, brother, uncle, nephew, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, friend….“C-Baby” we love you! May you rest in everlasting peace.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Earnest Murrell Long, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.