Walter McElroy

Published 2:42 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Aug. 23, 1966 – June 14, 2020

NATCHEZ — Walter “Earle” McElroy of Natchez, MS passed away on June 14, 2020, at Rapides Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. The funeral will be Thursday, June 18, 2020, at First Pentecostal Church of Jonesville with Bro Jack Knapp, Bro Bruce Lofton and Bro Everett Ellzey officiating. Interment will follow the funeral at Acme Baptist Church Cemetery in Acme, LA, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 17 at First Pentecostal Church of Jonesville from 5 pm until 9 pm.

Earle was born in Natchez, MS on August 23, 1966. He proudly served in the 155th Infantry Mississippi National Guard, from 1984 to 1990. Earle began his Frito Lay career in 1989 as a Route Salesman in Natchez, MS. He relocated to Birmingham, AL as a Region Productivity Manager where he worked for nine years before returning to Natchez, MS in 2015. He was a proud and dedicated employee for over 31 years He was described by many as someone who was a respected leader and a remarkable man.

Earle’s laughter and practical jokes remain in the hearts of his family. He loved hunting and the great outdoors. Such memories of his shortened “tree trimming” career as well as family gag gifts, which were always shared at Christmas with loud laughter and a sparkling fireworks display over the banks of the Ouachita River.  He is fondly remembered by many names such as “Water Head,” “Harold,” “Earle the Pearl,” “Mac,” “ Earle Baby,” “Paw Paw” and “Uncle Earle”. He was also blessed with a loving church family at First Pentecostal Church in Jonesville, LA.  He was often asked to share his testimony, which reflected his faith in his precious Savior.
 Earle was someone who was selfless, He always put others first. Close friends all
knew that Earle was someone who would be there to extend a helping hand and a heartfelt prayer.  Earle was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.  He fought this courageous battle with his trust in God, his faith, dignity and incredible strength.

He is preceded in death by parents Henry McElroy, Sr. and Pearl McElroy, very special father in law Grady Edward Delhoste and niece Amanda McElroy.

He was married to the love of his life, Cindy Delhoste McElroy for 32 years, one daughter, Miranda Marshall Brown, whom he adored. If anyone knew Earle by name, they also knew the names of his two grandchildren he treasured, Eli Marshall Brown and Addie Grace Johnson. He also loved “Roc Roc” his favorite granddog, who are all of Vidalia, LA, brother Tommy McElroy and wife Diane, brother Henry McElroy and wife Rhonda, sister Annette Davis and Mike, brother Herbert McElroy and wife Shelia, twin brother Ronnie McElroy and wife Melissa, sister Terri Padilla and husband Mario, mother-in-law Jeanette King Delhoste, brother-in-law, Eddie Delhoste and wife Susanne and brother-in-law John Delhoste and wife Nancy. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Matt Wyble, Chris Fusilier, Matt Bounds, Clark Jackson, Eddie Delhoste, John Delhoste, Rusty Anders, Thomas McGinty, Buddy Hill and Eric Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers are Eli Brown, Ben Wroten, Barry Loy, Jeff Loy, Tony Gonzales, Rick Heffner, Dale Alleman, Jason McChristian, Mike Brooks, Gary Stubbings, James Stegall, Mike Hazlip, and all of his nieces and nephews, all his friends from BB’s restaurant and his hunting buddies at Perth Hunting Club.