Wayne King Early, a resident of Bernie and the son of the late Alvie Lester Early and Ruby Rebecca Gill Early, was born on June 4, 1948, at Poplar Bluff, and died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett at the age of 55.

He was married to Arvilla Sue Randolph on May 25, 1968, at Gideon, and she survives of the home.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was a member of the Stanfield General Baptist Church in Gideon.

He was a teacher at New Madrid, owner of Early Lawn Service, and a former coach.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Bethany Britt of Kennett, Courtney Boone of Gideon, and Gentry Vancil of Holcomb; one brother, Billy Joe Early; one sister, Martha Sue Bogle of Morehouse; and seven grandchildren.

Visitation was held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden with Rev. Susan Marner-Sides and Rev. Bill Orr officiating.

Interment followed in Stanfield Cemetery in Clarkton.