Ernest Joseph Duval

Ernest Joseph Duval, Sr., 81, passed away November 19, 2021 at his home in Poplarville, MS. A twin to Leonard, Ernest was born March 9, 1940 to Tilton and Hilda (Bailey) Duval in Napoleonville, LA. Growing up the oldest of five children, Ernest felt and acted on the responsibility of taking care of his family throughout life once his father had passed away. A momma's boy through and through, he always held his mother closest to his heart and not a day went by that he wasn't doing something to ensure she was taken care of throughout her life. Now being a twin, Leonard and Ernest were inseparable and definitely shared that crazy "twin thing", he loved his brother, Leonard, with his whole heart. Honestly, Ernest just loved people and never met a stranger! You could often find him sitting around the table talking to friends, whether "conducting business" or just "shooting the breeze." He loved "cuttin" up and could make anyone laugh or smile, and would never hesitate to help anyone who needed it. No matter the time of day, Ernest always had a pot of fresh coffee brewed for anyone who wanted to stop by for a visit. He started and ended every day with a cup of coffee!! Ernest loved to work and many would even call him a workaholic. Always an entrepreneur since his early days, Ernest spent forty plus years owning oil rig crew boats and from there spent another twenty-five plus years owning numerous restaurants and truck stops. So, you can imagine the number of tables he sat around, just cuttin up and drinking coffee. His children remember very well of how Ernest enjoyed hunting deer and fowl, as their home and his office were always decorated with the proof of the skill and love he had for hunting. He enjoyed giving help but wasn't much for asking for it, so working on the roof alone when he was in his seventies was definitely frowned upon by his kiddos!! Ernest was a jovial and positive man, but also bared the type of stubbornness his family was sure would keep him here much longer; as he left sooner than their hearts were prepared for. His kind heart and quick wit will be deeply missed by those who loved and cared for him. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents Tilton and Hilda (Bailey) Duval. Left here to cherish his memory are; his children Ernest (Shaleena) Duval, Jr. of Poplarville, MS, Cheryl Duval of New Orleans, LA, Lydia (Kevin) Battaglia of Thibodaux, LA, Tonia (Mark) Dake of Baton Rouge, LA and his youngest baby Raeley Barber, who he was raising; his twin brother Leonard Duval of Poplarville, MS, Verna McDonald of Cecilia, LA, Ory (Yvonne) Duval of Lafayette, LA, and Sandra "Kimmy" (Tommy) David of Patterson, LA. Ernest leaves behind a legacy of seventeen grandchildren as well as numerous great grands, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later time provided by the Duval family, honoring the life of Ernest. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Duval family during this difficult time and would ask that you remember them in your prayers in the difficult days ahead.