Shade Earl Quinn, 84, died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at his home in Laurel. He was born Dec. 28, 1931, in Brookhaven to Harry Clayton and Clara Bell Quinn.

As a young man in his late teens, Earl left his family farm and entered the oil field in the late ‘40s. He eventually met Bill Murphy and joined Murco Drilling Company in 1967 where they enjoyed a special friendship throughout the years together.

Earl Quinn was a very caring and loving father, husband, papaw, brother and friend. His greatest gift to all of us wasn’t just his legacy, but the love he shared with each of us personally. Our hearts are heavy and we already feel the emptiness he leaves behind.

Preceding him in death were his wife of over 50 years, Vera Lee McLendon Quinn; two daughters, Sherry and Rita Quinn; parents, Clara Bell Rushing and Harry Clayton Quinn of Brookhaven; one brother, Harry Clayton Quinn Jr.; three sisters, Ruthie Huckaby, Eva Huckaby and Aline Lingle, all of Brookhaven.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Steadham Quinn of 14 years; sons Terry L. Quinn (Dodie) of Quartz Hill, California, Timothy L. Quinn (Ina Jo) of Moselle and Jeffrey V. Quinn of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Denise Quinn Fortenberry (Wendell) of Irving, Texas; five grandchildren, Dylan Quinn of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Shade Quinn of Moselle, Brooke Fortenberry of Irving, Texas, Katie Quinn of Aurora, Colorado, Morgan Fortenberry of Irving, Texas; one great-grandchild, Cashtyn Kendall Quinn of Ellisville; and three sisters, Earnestine Brown of Brookhaven, Betty Allred of Brookhaven and Dorothy Scadden of Garland, Texas.

At his request, no service will be held.