Richard Early

Brother Richard Obra Early was born on August 25, 1935, in Baton Roge, Louisiana. He passed away on June 1, 2023 surrounded by family in Greenville, South Carolina. He was the only son of Jessie and Clara Early.

Our brother accepted the gift of eternal life as a youth and was baptized by the late Reverend Ball. For over 40 years, Richard dedicated himself to his profession at Southern University and A&M College, where he worked as a mechanic and supervisor. His commitment and unwavering dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers. Richard was loved by all and was known for his integrity, reliability, and willingness to go above and beyond to help anyone who needed it. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Ella Mae Beverly Early; son, Sheldon Keith Early, Sr. (Mignon Breaux Early); daughter, Sherita Early Thomas (Davey Brent Thomas); grandchildren, Megan Marie Early-Soppa (Philipp Kolya Soppa), Sheldon Keith Early, Jr. (Lisbeth Hanna Early), Diael Simone Thomas, and Claire Amee Thomas; great grandchildren, Noah Eloise Early and Sunday Kolya Early-Soppa; sister, Mrs. Dorothy Early Davis; nieces and nephews, Carol T. Brackins, EmClaire Knowles, Willie Smith, Jr., Ivy Early, Wanda S. Davis, Karen D. Williams, Judith D. Gibson, DeAnne D. Dutton, Jade Jackson, Justin E. Davis, Paul K. Davis, Elza Charles Brazier, Jerome Kenneth Brazier, and Sidney Green.

Funeral Services will be held at Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church on June 9, 2023 at 10:00am. He will be laid to rest at Southern Memorial Gardens

Courtesy of Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary