Millard Earl Ealey, 94, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.
Born in Buchanan, Tennessee, Earl attended Buchanan High School. After graduating he enlisted in the Army in 1949 where he trained with the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Breckenridge in Kentucky. He was later deployed to Manheim, Germany where he served as a Military Police officer during the Occupation. He advanced to Corporal after NCO Academy and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupation Medal.
On February 18, 1955, Earl married the love of his life, Donna Kirkland Ealey, and moved to Benton to begin their journey through life together. During his life, Earl spent many years working for Pennwalt, currently Arkema, in Calvert City until his retirement. Being someone who did not like to sit still for very long, after retiring from the plant, Earl began working part time alongside his close friend, Benny Bohannon, locally in a vending machine business. Earl and Donna were both devout members of Benton First Baptist Church where they worked alongside each other as custodians for the church, and where Earl also served as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon, and a Sunday School Superintendent. One of the things that always brought Earl so much joy was the years that he spent greeting visitors at the entrance of the church.
Earl’s most valued life accomplishment was his devotion to family. He braved, with Donna, all the elements to follow his three granddaughters in any activity they pursued – whether it be soccer, dance, or a scholastic event. He often showed up with a piece of Double Bubble. He spent the later part of his life as a caregiver for his beloved wife, Donna. After she passed, he spent the last sixteen months of his life at the Stilley House Senior Living facility in Benton, where he met friends and was loved whole-heartedly by staff. He often enjoyed sitting on the front porch to soak up the sunshine and greeting all the visitors as they entered.
He is survived by one son, James Ealey (Dianna) of Benton; two sisters, Shirley Gilmore and Phyllis Wimberly; his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Howell Ealey of Benton; three grandchildren, Jaime Ealey (Mick Cauthron), Abigail Ealey, and Caitlyn Ealey of Benton; and one great grandchild, Juniper Ealey.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Ealey; one son, Steven Ealey; one sister, Margaret Ealey; his brother, Johnny Ealey; and his parents, Millard and Vera Ealey.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Three Crosses Church – Helping Hands Food Pantry, 845 US HWY 641 Spur, Benton, KY 42025 or to Marcella’s Kitchen, P.O Box 272, Benton, KY 42025. With limited mobility, cooking became more of a challenge for Donna and Earl in their last years at home. They could always count on Marcella’s Kitchen to arrive at their doorstep with a warm meal and a kind word.
Matthew 25:23 – “His Master replied, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness.”
Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann. Burial will follow at Marshall County Memorial Gardens.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Earl’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.