William Earnest "Earnie" Blackley

of Sage, Arkansas

William Earnest "Earnie" Blackley, son of Billy Earl Blackley and Jo Ann Shepherd, was born January 10, 1961 in Greenville, Mississippi. He departed this life January 4, 2020 at his home in Sage, Arkansas at the age of 58 years, 11 months and 25 days. He was united in marriage to Theresa Ruch January 24, 1993 in Lake Village, Arkansas. Earnie died of cancer just one year and four days after he took the position of Izard County Sheriff. Earnie joined the Izard County Sheriff's office as a deputy in 1993, having previously worked as a police officer in Greenville, Mississippi. After serving 18 years as chief deputy, he was elected sheriff. In addition to his work at the Izard County Sheriff's Office, Earnie was known for the fish fries he held for various benefits. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Zion.

Earnie is survived by his wife of 26 years: Theresa Blackley of the home; three children: William Earnest Blackley, Jr of Melbourne, Bridgette Woodall and husband Ty of Melbourne and Shane Farmer and wife Kendra of Zion; his parents: Jo Ann Shepherd of Zion and Billy Blackley and wife Judy of Franklinton, North Carolina; one brother: Horace Irvin Blackley and wife Robin of Grenada, Mississippi; seven grandchildren: Kaylee Woodall, Nathan Woodall, Madison Woodall, Lucas Farmer, Lainey Woodall, Ellie Farmer and Ella Farmer; his Izard County Sheriff's Office family and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by one sister: Stephanie Lynn Sharp and his maternal grandparents: Oscar L. Shepherd, Sr. and Sarah Iris Stockstill Shepherd.

Visitation and funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Melbourne, Arkansas. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 7 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. with Rick Burke and Gale Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.

Memorials may be made to: Earnie Blackley Scholarship Fund, C/O First National Banking Company, P.O. Box 549, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.

Pallbearers: Douglas Brooks, Gerald Cooper, Jack Yancey, Charlie Melton, Kevin Tate and Warren Sanders.

Honorary Pallbeaers: All Law Enforcement Personnel, Jerry O'Brien, Shane Linn, David Miller, Tim Weaver, Gray Dellinger, Fred Lamb, Dean Hutchins, Bob Barnes, Clint Bailey, Richard Downing, Raybourne Finley, Johnny Rogers.