Earlie Gettis Jr. was born on October 20, 1938 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was born to Earlie Gettis, Sr., and Mary Lou Luster-Gettis, both have preceded him in death. Earlie was raised in Okolona, Mississippi with 9 siblings; (5) sisters, Mary Helen-Thomas, Iretta Bell, Judy Mcinstosh, Jackie Ruff, Laura Jane Gettis-Kelley (deceased) and (4) brothers: William Henry Gettis, Robert Earl Gettis (deceased), Carl Gettis (deceased), and David Gettis (deceased). Earlie attended Okolona School District where he continued his education throughout life.

Earlie came to East St. Louis, Illinois in 1962. In 1962, Earlie was employed with Vandalia Charter Bus Lines where he enjoyed working and traveling across the United States and doing local driving. Here he soon met his latest wife on August 3, 1976, Letha O. Cruise. They remained together until 2005. He later met Janice Turner in 2015. In 1980, Earlie became a cab driver for Metro East Cab Company, later St. Louis American Cab Company; also, Earlie was a self-employed cab driver up until 2004. Earlie also worked a short time at Father Dickson's Cemetery in North St. Louis, Missouri. Earlie had been with Nash Funeral Home since the early 1960's and became a full-time employee in the year 2000 to current. When his health declined and he was forced into retirement at the young age of 84, Earlie accepted a new position as the "Building Supervisor". "I ain't trying to tell you what to do, because I ain't the boss, BUT........."

In Earlie's free time, he liked attending Cahokia High School sporting events, especially basketball games where he made it his business to stop by the concession stand and buy a bag of popcorn. He also liked to go by the Red Door, Lou's and Smokey Bills to check on the clientele. Earlie's favorite professional teams was the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Cubs, and the Golden State Warriors. Earie also enjoyed going to hear quartet singing. He loved the Williams Brothers and many more.

Earlie Gettis, Jr. departed this life on Friday, December 13, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Earlie leaves to mourn his death 9 children, Felicia Gettis-Johnson, Earlie Gettis III, Warren Cruise, Kevin Gettis, Karen Gettis, Tracy Cruise, Christopher Gettis, Byron Gettis, and Jasmine Gettis; (29) grandchildren; (12) great-granchildren; one brother, William Henry Gettis; 4 sisters, Mary Helen-Thomas, Iretta Bell, Judy Mcintosh, Jackie Ruff; numerous other family members, co-workers, friends and special friend, Janice Turner.