Our hearts are saddened by the passing of a very special father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and devoted friend. This will be our first Father's Day without him. "Happy Father's Day in Heaven Daddy." Earl Hubert Courtney, age 90, passed away on May 30, 2020, at Overton Brooks Veterans Hospital in Shreveport, LA., as a result of Chronic Renal Disease and progressed dementia complications.

He was born on February 12, 1930 in Diboll, TX. to Hubert William and Pinkie Virgie Grimes Courtney. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Jordan (A.D.), his son, Mike Courtney (Dianne), of Marshall, his grandson, Brandon Courtney (Patty), of AR., great-grandson Jaden Courtney also of AR., his son, Elwin Derryberry (Sarah) of Angelina County, twin brothers Eddie and Freddie Courtney of Angelina County, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-children and step-grandchildren, in-law, out-laws, and friends. Dad loved his family and was blessed with their love in return.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Alice Ford and his brother Myrel Courtney. Dad loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a wonderful father and truly one of the finest men we have ever known. There are those in this world that ask so little, and give so much. Whose presence is always welcomed and absence is always felt. Dad was a good man, with a sweet soul and a good friend to so many. Good to the point that he was often too good for his own good. When a person of his caliber and integrity leaves us, they take a piece of our hearts with them.

Dad knew and loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and enjoyed attending River Crossing Cowboy Church whenever he could. We will never forget the memories, the laughter, the smiles, the experiences, the stories and countless ways that Dad enriched and changed our lives. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As his nephew, Neal Ford, said recently, "I have the deepest respect for Earl. His moral compass and stoicism are vanishing traits in today's America. Earl is one of the last, and a symbol, of what Tom Brokaw termed "The Greatest Generation".

Dad's hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening, and family reunions. He was a master at cat fishing and has many pictures to prove his success, as well as hunting and fishing stories he was always eager to share with anyone who would take the time to listen. The only thing he liked to do better than catch catfish, was cooking them up to his perfection and eating them. His favorite place in the world was on the banks of a river, lake or in a boat fishing with his buddies and loved ones. Sitting around a camp fire reminiscing days gone by and the days catch or the days hunt. With a green thumb, his vegetable gardens always flourished with bounty from his back breaking labors in the hot sun tending and harvesting his crops, which he often shared with others.

On January 16, 1952, Dad was inducted into the United States Marine Corps (Service # 1266616). He served in the Korean War earning rank of Corporal. His duty as an auto mechanic on military vehicles was a responsibility he was not only proud of but very good at. During his tour of duty he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After being honorably discharged he returned home to civilian life once again. Dad was very proud of his service to our country and proud to be a Marine Veteran ("Semper Fi").

He then went to work for Arthur Temple in the creosote plant in Diboll, later moving to Marshall where he managed Marshall Wood Preserving Company for many years. He owned Marshall Marine Service where he met many of his friends by working on their chain saws, boats and motors. He later went to work at the cable plant known then as ALCOA where he spent his years until retirement. For a short while he was a driver for Brannon Motors. His last employment was at Walmart in Marshall where he worked as a greeter to shoppers who entered the store.

He left that position due to onset of Dementia and other health issues, at which time he became a resident of Reunion Inn Assisted Living Facility where he lived until his death. He made some wonderful new friends there and made a name for himself playing 42 dominoes and other games and took up the hobby of putting together beautiful puzzles which he often gave to his friends and family. Many of which hang on the walls in the dining room and hallways throughout the facility as well as many resident's rooms and completely cover the walls of his own apartment. He spent many hours with special friend and neighbor, Ms. Nita Childress, putting puzzles together, watching sports and old westerns on TV, listening to music and sharing their life stories together. She was indeed a blessing to him. He was often lovingly teased about being the only man to go on outings along with all the women residents, and he loved it.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jacque Wise-Griffith and the entire staff at Reunion Inn for the excellent care they gave Dad and for loving him as they all do. They treated him with such love, kindness and respect and went far beyond what was expected of them to make him happy and keep him safe. The words "Thank You" are not sufficient enough for the gratitude Dad's entire family feels. But no matter what part you may have played, no matter how large or small that part was, "THANK YOU" from the bottom of our hearts.

Also, a heartfelt thanks to some very special people in Dad's life, Christi Gibbs (step-daughter) and Heather Simmons (step-granddaughter) (Zachery) for the many visits, calls, goody bags, haircuts, gifts, outings, shakes, burgers, fellowship, hugs and kisses, and to Scotty Gibbs for taking him fishing. The simple gift of your time brought him such joy. Time spent with y'all was some of his happiest times. He loved y'all dearly.

There will be no public visitation or memorial service for Dad at this time. His wishes were to be cremated and his ashes placed near his mother's and father's graves in the Prairie Grove family cemetery in Diboll. A private family memorial will be planned at a later date at that location.

An interesting note that we felt worth sharing … After Dad passed a dear friend called with an exciting story she wanted to share. She said she had a vision from God, and in that vision she saw Dad standing on a river bank in Heaven, casting out a line with a huge smile on his face! And every time he caught a fish, the fish were smiling too! What a happy and comforting memory of our Dad in Heaven. Thank you, Pat for sharing such a wonderful vision. Happy trails and happy fishing in Heaven Daddy! We love and miss you!

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.