Howard George "Boots" Early
April 29, 1925 ~ August 14, 2020
Howard George "Boots" Early, 95, of Longview, Texas, formerly of Linden, Texas passed away August 14, 2020. Mr. Early was born April 29, 1925 in Avinger, Texas to Joe Early and Cleo Orr Early. Boots was a very active member in the community, a member of Linden United Methodist Church and Greggton United Methodist Church, Linden Volunteer Ambulance Service, longtime Lions Club member, he served his country proudly in the United States Army in Germany and WWII, and was an avid volunteer and supported many other civic organizations. He also operated Early's Appliance and Gift Store in Avinger, Texas and was a rural carrier for 36 years. Boots was a devoted/loving husband and father, and if you asked him he would tell you that his family and friends meant the world to him.
He is survived by three sons, Joe Patman Early and wife Donna of Linden, TX., John Frank Early and wife Cindy of Avinger, TX., and James “Jim” Howard Early and wife Amanda of Asheville, NC; seven grandchildren, Shane Early and wife Kim of Gary, TX., Shawna Roppolo of Stonewall, LA., Shelly McIntyre and husband Nathan of Avinger, TX., Matt Early of Dallas, TX., Jason Early and wife Ashley of Benton, LA., Hillary Early of Tahlequah, OK and Hannah Sloan and husband Stephen of Asheville, NC; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; numerous nieces and nephews and best friends, Judy and Art Wiley & family of Denton, TX.
He is reunited with the love of his life of 72 years, Billye Ruth Early.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Arabella of Longview and a very special caregiver, Ashley Willis and family for their love and care during this time.
There will be a time of visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday evening at the funeral home for friends to view and sign the registry. Due to Covid-19 the family will not be present during visitation.
There will be a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Linden United Methodist Church, p.o. box 338, Linden, TX, Linden Cemetery Association, p.o. box 863, Linden, TX Cass County Championship Rodeo, p.o. box 930, Linden, TX or Music City Texas Theater.
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Condolences from the Young family.
This physical planet has lost a wonderful man, but the gates of Heaven will open for him to be with his soul mate Billie. I loved them both. All of the Early family members are in my prayers at this time of sorrow. God will give you comfort and strength during this time of loss.
Many years ago when my husband and I first moved to this area, Boots & his wife Billie were our neighbors. We learned to care for them and their 2 boys. Great people and I am sorry for the family in their loss. RIP, Mr. Boots.
Such a beautiful and joyful man who will be missed. Boots was fun, intelligent and a hero. He was a pleasure to know.
Thoughts and prayers for all of the family.
Prayers with you during this time of grief. May God's hands be wrapped around you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in these most difficult days. May the Perfect Peace of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus, bless your family with His Loving Comfort and Strength.
All our love, prayers and thoughts are with you right now. We love you
Sweet memories of Mr Boots and Ms Billye from days at Arabelle….my thoughts and prayers are with family.
Another Linden has left us. Boots will be missed.
What a Christian Saint your Dad is!!
What a great reunion is taking place in Heaven!??
We are all blessed to have shared this earth with this dear wonderful man who loved life and the people in this life. May each of you feel the strength of God’s gracious arms during this time.🙏??
Sending love and prayers for all.He was a good man that will be missed. Loved visiting he and Billy Ruth.She and I shared our birthdays and she would bring me a cupcake with a candle in it.Sweet memories??
What a wonderful gentleman he was! Family, you have my heartfelt condolences. With love
BOOTS WAS A GREAT MOTORHOME FRIEND. I LOVED OUR VISITS AND PHONE CONVERSATIONS
I WILL MISS HIM BUT REJOICE THAT HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH MS. BILLIE. LOVE YOU BOOTS, LINDA GIBSON
My deepest condolences to your family.
Shelly Dowdy
Air Mac, Inc.
Dallas, Texas 75247
It was more then a job to me, it was home away from home. My heart is so heavy I knew this day would come sometime but I didn’t think it would come this fast. We still had things to do and people to see. But I no you are in a better place, driving a motor home with Mrs.Billie sewing the world. Im really going to miss you. Your was my Bestfriend
Love Always Your Ash
Dear Jim and Amanda,
Jim, what an amazing man your Father must have been to watch as you were growing up. He certainly must have been an asset to the community with all the things he did, being a rural mail deliverer, running an appliance store, being a member of the Lions Club and helping volunteer in other civic organizations would take a person that is very focused on getting a job done. Sadly there are not very many of the World War II veterans left, but I certainly admire those still living and serving our country to preserve our freedoms. Prayers as you grieve for the loss of the patriarch of the family. I am sure he will be missed by his many friends also.
Love in Christ,
Ethel Jacobson
Your family is in my prayers.
Dear Joe Pat, John, and Jim,
This is Melisa Herod and Mark just shared that your Precious Dad passed away. I told Mark and Lyn that our Dad was surely at the front of the line in Heaven to welcome Boots into Eternity. I'm sure they have talked for hours!!! I included a picture of my family just to share with you all. Will be thinking of you and praying for you all. Much Love and Beautiful Memories of the Herod's and Early's!! Love, Melisa