R. Phil Earnest

ROBERT PHILIP (Phil) EARNEST, 97, went to be with the Lord Monday, October 7, 2013 after a brief illness. Phil was born and reared in Eustis, FL. He was a graduate of Southern School of Commerce, Orlando, where he met the love of his life, Ollie Achimon, Dadeville, AL. They shared a marriage of nearly 74 years. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during W.W.II and a lengthy employment as accountant/auditor for Faulkner, Inc. Orlando, Phil went on to enjoy a successful career with Prudential Ins., Co. Phil was a lifelong citrus grower in central Florida. Upon retirement in 1985, Phil returned to his native Eustis home and became energetically involved in numerous civic and community areas having served on Eustis Planning Board, Eustis Main Street Board, Eustis Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Florida Hospital/Waterman Board of Directors, Eustis Kiwanis Club and was King of the 2004 Eustis Georgefest. Phil placed his faith and church as priority. Early as a member of the College Park Baptist Church, Orlando he served many years as Sunday School Director, Deacon, and teacher and on various boards for the Southern Baptist Convention. Upon retirement and Eustis return he enjoyed active membership with the First Baptist Church. Phil is survived by his wife: Ollie; daughters: Jeanie (Johnny) Turner and Phillis (Murray) Knox of Dadeville, AL; 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services will be held at the Harden/Pauli Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October 10, at 11:00 AM with Pastors Rick Pughe and Skip Haymans of First Baptist Church officiating; soloist Kaye Huddleston, Auburn, AL, granddaughter. Visitation/fellowship is from 10-11:00 AM. Grandsons will act as pallbearers at the private burial in the Earnest section at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis. Online guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis