Cover photo for Earnest J. Boney's Obituary
Earnest J. Boney Profile Photo

Earnest J. Boney

d. January 26, 2015

Earnest J. Boney

Earnest J. Boney, 91, died peacefully at home on January 26, 2015, surrounded by his family. Earnest was born in Biloxi, MS on August 11, 1923 to Josephine and Julius Boney. He grew up on the water, helping his father and uncles with their charter boat businesses. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1942, and enlisted with the newly-formed U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (SeaBees) during WWII. After the war, Earnest traveled the country, satisfying his thirst for knowledge and adventure, visiting many places from Rhode Island to California, and making friends all along the way. He eventually came back home, studied architecture and learned to work with wood; making this his life-long vocation. He worked for a while in the boat yards on Back Bay, building boats of all kinds, often drafting his own plans. Earnest’s sister introduced him to a beautiful young nurse, Sybilee “Lee” Romines, and he fell madly in love. They were married in 1952 and made Biloxi their home for many years. Earnest opened his own business, Boney’s Woodworking, on a lot behind his parents’ home and over the years crafted many fine pieces, from cabinets and furniture, to church pews, to frames for fine art pieces. He was a master artisan and had the pleasure of teaching the craft to all of his sons. He raised ten children and taught them the value of hard work, integrity, and honor. After Hurricane Camille, Earnest moved his family to Ocean Springs but continued to operate his woodworking business in its original location until his retirement, at the age of 90, in 2014. Earnest was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge #606 in Biloxi. He also served on many different committees for St. John’s Catholic Church (now Blessed Seelos). In all facets of his life, Earnest was the quintessential gentleman. He was a proud, humble man, lovingly protective of his wife and children. Through his actions, he served as a role model for his community and his family. He was quick with his wit, enjoyed people and could converse on just about any topic. He knew (and lived) so much of the history of Biloxi, and loved sharing those stories with his family. He was truly a joy and a treasure, and we will miss his smile and that distinctive twinkle in his eye. Earnest is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Lee; his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Richard; a son, René; and son-in-law, Lyle Ramon. Earnest is survived by his sister, Anita; and brother, Robert “Bob”; his daughters, Diana Lovejoy, Sue Boney (Cris Medley), Claire (David Arbogast, Jr.), Alesia (David Hamm), Missy Ramon; four sons, John (Frances McNab), Joe (Nancy Kirkland), Matthew (Donna Favre), and Michael; 22 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2015 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave., Biloxi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Blessed Francis Seelos Catholic Church in Biloxi where friends may visit one hour before service time. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. The family prefers memorials to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Blessed Seelos, P.O. box 347, Biloxi, MS, 39533. The family of Earnest Boney would also like to express gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff of Southern Care Hospice in Biloxi for the support they provided in his last days.
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Past Services

Visitation

Friday, January 30, 2015

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

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Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Starts at 11:00 am

Blessed Seelos Catholic Church

360 Lameuse St., Biloxi, MS 39530

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Cemetery

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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