David Earl Townsel

“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) The Lord will wrap His arms of love and comfort around those who trust in Him.

On Sunday, June 7, 2020, Julius “Earl” Townsel, affectionately known and called by many as “Earl, Juno, Jules, ET, Tree, Lurch, Jose and Orange Julius” went to be with the Lord. His family lost their “Hero”. He transitioned from his earthly home to glory at the young age of 64 while engaging in a fun activity with his 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Ultimately, his big ol’ heart could no longer sustain itself. Our “family, neighborhood, community, cities, and states” lost an exceptional son, brother, husband, father, neighbor, friend and leader. No one was a stranger. The word “stranger” did not exist in his world…...there was no such thing. His larger than life persona, kindness, generosity, humor, goofiness and trademark  “SMILE” will never be forgotten !

Julius “Earl” was born on July 6, 1955 in Starkville, Mississippi. He was the oldest and only son of the late Mrs. Nettie Townsel Goliday. She wholeheartedly and earnestly guided his existence and instilled in him high moral, ethical and spiritual standards.  His mother’s large extended family shared in molding and influencing his life’s trajectory.  At a very young age he and his mother relocated to Muskegon Heights, MI to join other relatives.

Julius attended Christ Temple Faith Church. This worship experience enhanced his prosperous journey.  Julius attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools in Muskegon Heights, MI.  He was a loyal and true “Tiger”. 

His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the Army in 1973. He proudly became a part of the U.S. Army 82nd. Airborne Div. A Btry. 1st. of the 320th Fld. Arty. He was a Paratrooper, Ranger Qualified, Communications Specialist.  In 1977 he finished his tour of “service” to his country with an Honorable Discharge and the Vietnam Campaign Badge.  He moved to Michigan City, Indiana in 1980 where he began his civilian work experience.   He was the first person hired by the US Cable Company which was later re-organized and managed by Xfinity/Comcast Cable. He began as a lineman where he designed and installed wiring for the Michigan City area to receive cable TV. Seven years later he was promoted to Chief Technician then a few years later to General/Plant Manager. He stayed in that position for the next 13 years,  a total of over 20 years of dedicated service. While he was employed at Xfinity/Comcast he met and established a rapport with numerous people.  He was liked, loved and appreciated by all who were fortunate to get to know him. His laughter, pleasant demeanor and enthusiasm was contagious. He had a conversation for anyone and everyone he met! In early 2000 Julius began a new adventure. He received his license to sell insurance(AFLAC) in Indiana & Michigan, He also took a shot at writing mortgages for Indiana Mortgage & Finance Co. in South Bend, IN. During this time he met Michael Hester Sr. who was a financial advisor and took Julius under his wing mentoring him in this field. The two of them formed a tight personal bond, a special, made-in-heaven friendship, his best bud, Top Dog, Numero Uno! “Mike” passed away in 2014 leaving a deep void in Julius’s heart that could never be filled by anyone. No longer wanting to be a financial adviser since his other half was with the Lord, Julius moved on and became a conductor with Norfolk Southern Railroad in 2004. His son Julian, fascinated by trains thought his Dad had the “coolest job” in the world. He was studying & training to become an engineer when he unexpectedly developed kidney/renal failure and had to leave on disability. Julius overcame and conquered that mountain when God answered our prayers with a donor kidney. He eventually regained his health and strength back. It was almost like he never went through that fight.

Julius had a passion for sports; especially basketball & football. He was introduced to bowling by his wife which he learned to love & enjoy and became quite good at it. Before starting a family they loved bicycling together and  had a boat where they spent many days on Lake Michigan. He tried roller skating with the family but couldn’t quite get the hang of that one. He was a die-hard “Michigan” man ! Michigan All The Way !! The University of Michigan,  Detroit Lions and the Detroit Pistons (Bad Boys)  were his favorite. I remember him saying once “Upon my death, if I go first, I respectfully request 6 Detroit Lions pallbearers so the Lions can let me down one last time.”

On July 27, 1992 he was united in holy matrimony to “The Love of His Life”, Cynthia (Cindy “Spin”) Nevorski. Julius was blessed to be the dynamic and compassionate father of 4 beautiful, gorgeous children, Jillian Alexis Townsel, Julian David (Cara) Townsel, Jordan Taylor Townsel (Ricardo Carrillo), all of Laporte, Indiana and Kelly Dozier (Ursula) of Knightdale, North Carolina. His highest achievement; becoming a Grandpa (GP) to 5 beautiful, gorgeous boys and 1 beautiful, gorgeous girl. Liam Henry Townsel, Jamesyn Joseph Townsel and Jaxon Wayne Comeno, all of LaPorte, Indiana. Twins Charly & Jody Dozier and Kassi Dozier, all of Knightdale, North Carolina. A very special young lady, Kristinia Lyn-Marie Miller of LaPorte, Indiana, who he took under his wing at a very young age and grew to love her as his very own. It  was a usual thing to see him hold and cuddle his children and grandchildren.  His commitment to family and community was commendable.  If you asked him what was his greatest accomplishment it wouldn’t be his career or world adventures.  It was being a father and caretaker of others.  He unselfishly gave.  His understanding, tenacity and resilience was commendable. His wisdom, advice and assistance was unconditional. His legacy of compassion, genuine concern and understanding will be embedded in the hearts of his children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Julius “Earl” Townsel leaves to cherish his memories: the love of his life, devoted wife, Cindy, three sisters, Georgia Ett-Deann Goliday, Tracy Denett (Trent) Boyles and Claudia Lubrett Goliday, all of Muskegon, Michigan.  Four children: Jillian Townsel, Julian (Cara) Townsel, Jordan Townsel (Ricardo Carrillo), all of LaPorte  Indiana. Kelly (Ursula) Dozier of Knightdale, North Carolina. Kristinia Miller of LaPorte, Indiana. Six grandchildren: Liam Henry, Jamesyn Joseph, Jaxon Wayne, of LaPorte, Indiana. Charly, Jody and Kassi Dozier, all of Knightdale, North Carolina. Godsons: Gregory Sanders and LaJulius Goliday. He leaves to mourn his lifelong little brother, Bannon Darcell Potts.

Julius was preceded in death by his mother, Nettie Townsel Goliday, grandmother, Ada Mae Townsel. Nephew, RayShawn Goliday. Best friend, Mike Hester Sr. Beloved family pets, Kelli and Lil’ Gyps and many aunts, uncles, cousins & friends.

Please know Julius had an abundance of family and friends too numerous to mention. His sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends have all been influenced by his being. He has tremendously impacted all their lives in one way or another.  “Julius, we don’t need a special day to bring you to mind, the days we do not think of you are very hard to find.  Your place not one can fill.  In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.”  Thank You God for the blessing of Julius Earl Townsel upon all our lives.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 4pm-7pm at Coleman & Hicks Funeral Home 101 S Karwick Rd. Michigan City, Indiana and on Thursday, June 18, 2020 from 10am-11am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana. Homecoming service at 11:00am with Pastor & Friend Damon Carnes officiating. Burial with full military honors will be the following day, June 19, 2020 for the immediate family at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, Michigan.  The family requests that CDC guidelines be followed and face masks are required.

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**Cellphones and other recording devices are prohibited during the viewing and funeral ceremony.**

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