Ernest John “E. J.” Stearns, 86, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 at Longwood Community Living Center in Booneville. He was a retired supervisor for Thompson Machinery-Caterpillar in Tupelo. He also retired from the U.S. Army where he served as a drill sergeant, supply sergeant and photographer. He was of the Pentecostal faith and enjoyed gardening, working in his shop, fishing and big game hunting.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the McMillan Funeral Home Chapel with James Marks officiating. Burial will follow in Forrest Memorial Park.
He is survived by two sons, Edward J. Stearns and Ernest R. (Aleysa) Stearns, both of Booneville; one sister, Emaline McFlarland of New Hampshire; one brother, Charlie Stearns of St. Johnsbury, Vermont; his special friend, Edsel Coley of Booneville; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Virginia McKinney Stearns; three brothers and three sisters.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and until service time Saturday at the funeral home.
