Services for Eddie Gives, Jr., 79, will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Free Gift Baptist Church,
Mr. Gives, a beloved husband, father, deacon, and community member, passed away peacefully at his home on March 30, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 14, 1946, in Rayville, Louisiana, Eddie Gives, Jr. was the cherished son of Eddie Sr. and Nancy Gives. From his early years in a close-knit family, Eddie grew up rooted in faith, service, and compassion—qualities that defined the rest of his life.
Married to his devoted wife Diane for 55 years, Eddie built a strong and loving family that mirrored the values he lived by: faith, commitment, and hard work. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a source of wisdom and strength, guiding his children and grandchildren with steady love and encouragement.
Eddie worked for over 40 years as a CDL driver, earning the respect of colleagues across the state. Known for his dependability, integrity, and warm humor, he was more than a driver—he was a friend to many on and off the road.
A deeply spiritual man, Eddie served faithfully as a deacon at New Bethel Baptist Church in Delhi, Louisiana. His devotion to ministry, community outreach, and the spiritual growth of others was a defining part of his life. Those who knew him remember a man who lived his faith not just in words but in action.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Sr. and Nancy Gives; his grandson, Eddie Jermaine Gives; granddaughters Banika Campbell and Erayana Simone Gives; and siblings Mary, Victoria, Pearl, Freddie, and George Gibbs.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane Gives; his children Erick (Tomekia) Gives of Rayville, LA; Micheal (Tonya) Gives of Monroe, LA; Erick Jackson of Rayville, LA; Kendrick Banks, Henry Manning, Tora (Derrick) Gives, Candi (James) Hudson, Corina Anderson, all of Monroe, LA; Cora (Louis) Thomas and Nora Thomas of North Carolina; his sister Roxie Gibbs of Rayville, LA; 29 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
