Earnie Shavers grew up in Braceville, graduated in 1963 from Newton Falls High School, married his high school sweetheart Laverne Payne Shavers and worked in the late 1960s at the General Motors Lordstown plant.

He became best known, however, as a professional boxing legend who devoted more than 25 years of his life to the sport that earned him respect and honor among his fans and colleagues.

Sadly, Earnie Shavers died Sept. 1 at age 78.

Through his whole life, though, Earnie Shavers never forgot his roots.

Just one day after his death, former British boxer and close friend Kenny Rainford told The Associated Press in a telephone call from Liverpool, England, that it already had been decided that Earnie’s funeral would be held here in our Mahoning Valley.

And so it will be.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday in Newton Falls High School, where many are expected to turn out to pay homage to this man best known for his career, but who also should be recalled and respected for his kindness and for his devotion to God.

Throughout his boxing career, Shavers was known as a hard puncher who gave heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes all they wanted during title fights in the late 1970s.

Prior to turning professional, Earnie won the 1969 National AAU Heavyweight Title. His thunderous punches stopped 68 fighters. He finished with a record of 74-14-1 with 68 knockouts.

Shavers fought Ali in September 1977 at Madison Square Garden in a fight for the WBC and WBA World Heavyweight titles. Ali pulled out the victory with a strong rally in the 15th round. Ali later said, “Earnie hit me so hard, it shook my kinfolk back in Africa.”

In March 1979, Earnie beat Ken Norton by knockout in the first round, in what was considered one of his finest victories. He later faced Larry Holmes for the WBC Heavyweight Title in 1979. He knocked Holmes to the canvas in the seventh round, but Holmes went on to win by an 11th round TKO. In a telephone interview, Holmes said Shavers was one of the hardest punchers in boxing.

Former New York State Athletic Commissioner Randy Gordon recalled, though, that Shavers always had time for the fans, whether it was signing autographs or exchanging a word or two. “He was one of the nicest guys in the world, until he got into the ring and tried to take your head off,” he said.

After retiring from the ring, Shavers became an ordained Christian minister and moved to Phoenix, where he preached for many years. In the early 2000s, he moved to England to pastor a church. In 2002, Earnie accepted the invitation of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International to preach at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

He also was a patron of The Shannon

Bradshaw Trust, a children’s charity based in Warrington, Cheshire, helping children with life-threatening conditions, and their families.

Shavers’ last local public appearance was in December 2015 when he showcased his still keen sense of humor while addressing the Warren Rotary Club.

And now, Earnie Shavers will be remembered for his career and for his kindness here in our Valley, where he grew up and which he always counted as his home.

May he rest in peace.

editorial@vindy.com