Earnest Paul Booth, 93

June 12, 1932  –  January 9, 2026

Nettleton-Earnest Paul Booth departed this life for his eternal home in heaven from his Nettleton residence on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Mr. Booth was 93 years old. The last remaining of 4 children of the late James Booth and Ethel Mary North Booth Ohlson, he was born in Zion, Illinois on June 12, 1932. He graduated from Zion-Benton High School and was drafted into the U. S. Army. PFC Booth saw action in the Korean Conflict. He received the Korean Service medal with 5 bronze stars. A patriotic American, Mr. Booth was always proud to serve his country and enjoyed talking about the importance of military service to others.

Mr. Booth lived in several areas of the country in his lifetime. He met a wonderful lady by the name of Mary Ann Flurry in Zion, Ill and married her in Tupelo on in 1954, a marriage of 71 years at his death. After an over 30 year career with Montgomery Ward, his bride brought him back to her hometown, Nettleton where they lived 25 years until his death.

Mr. Booth became very active in American Legion Post 49 and volunteered hours too numerous to mention supporting their causes. Being a native of the Chicago area, he loved supporting the Chicago Cubs. Later in life, he developed a passion for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

His great love was his wife of 71 years. After they retired, they traveled the entire continental USA in their motor home where they met many friends and saw the marvels of our country. He enjoyed spending time with his wife’s cousin, Charles Flurry discussing the military and matters of mutual concern. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church near Nettleton.

There will be a time of visitation and reception from 4 PM-7PM on Monday afternoon, Jan. 12, 2026 at the American Legion Post 49 Hut on Legion Lake Rd in Tupelo. Fellow members of the Legion will pay tributes after a military presentation that will begin at 4 PM. A private family burial will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Zion, Ill. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.

Mr. Booth is survived by his sweetheart of 71 years, Mary Ann Flurry Booth of Nettleton; two daughters, Diane Lynn Hulsey (Jay, deceased) and Linda Hoppe (Michael Couch) and a son, Ernest Booth, Jr. all of Zion, Ill. many grandchildren and great grandchildren and their families; his special friend, Charles Flurry and all his buddies from Post 49.

Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 49, 1875 Legion Lake Road, Tupelo, MS

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

~