Earlie Cordell James

Earlie Cordell James, a native and resident of Toddtown, traded time for eternity on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, while at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital in Grove Hill. Born on Oct. 6, 1955, to Claretta Pugh James and Jethro James, Earlie was 66 years of age.

At an early age he confessed Christ and joined Pine Chapel Baptist Church No. 2 in Toddtown, where he served as a member of the Usher Board. Earlie Cordell James, most affectionately known as “Bird,” was a man of the people. He was a friend to all who knew him. He spent his life being a help to all in the community and will be truly missed by all.

Earlie was a 1975 graduate of Clarke County High School, where he goes down in history as one of the best football running backs in the school’s history. After graduation, he attended Livingston University where he continued playing the sport he loved, football.  

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jethro James and Claretta James; grandparents, Charlie Pugh and Mattie Pugh; a sister, Darlene James; and two uncles, Jimmy Pugh and Johnny Lee Pugh.

His life will be forever cherished by his wife, Willametta Ladymai Sumo of Lawrenceville, Ga.; three daughters, Juanselyn Ruben (Steve) Gray of Springhill, Tenn., Latara Jones of Jackson and Cecilia Dock of Thomasville; two sons, Kendall (Abrina) Dock of Huntsville and Cory Slater of Augusta, Ga.; three stepchildren, Anthony Sumo, Antoinette Sumo and Kimberly Sumo, all of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two brothers, Anthony (Toushi) James of Dacula, Ga. and Jimmie (Dustin) James of Fort Worth, Texas; five devoted aunts, Geraldine (Joe) Merida, Alzaline (Herbert) Grayson, Emma Pugh, Nellie (Hubert) Finch and Velneice Pugh, all of Toddtown; three Loving uncles, Richard (Dorothy) Pugh of Roseville, Calif., Rivers Pugh of Richmond, Calif., and Charlie (Lucinda) Pugh of Huntsville; 12 grandchildren, Dominique Ruben, Darrius Brackins, Jadyn Brackins, Sydney Brackins, Shanekqua Johnson, Mike Johnson, Khalil Dock, Kayson Dock, Alauni Dock, Troy Davis, Tyson Davis and Hazel Dock; one great-grandchild, Donovan Oden. Earlie also leaves behind a host of devoted cousins and other family members.

Public viewing will be Friday, Oct. 15, from 3 until 6 p.m., at Jackson Memorial Funeral Home, 203 East Ross St. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m., at Pine Chapel No. 2 Baptist Church, 981 Toddtown Road, Grove Hill. The Rev. Allen Barnes Jr., pastor and eulogist. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

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