Charles David Easter

Charles passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017 with family by his side. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly; son E.B. (Scott Mallan); two grandchildren John David and Laura. Also surviving are his sister, Ann Robinson; two nephews; five great nieces and nephews and one great, grandniece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Esse (Nicholson) Easter and wife of 64 years, Eleanor Reid Easter.

Charles was born and raised in Ferrum, VA. After finishing high school, he attended Virginia Tech until he joined the Army to serve in the European Theater during World War II. He served as a scout with the 34 ^th Infantry Red Bull unit 1944–1946. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service. After the war ended, he returned to Virginia Tech to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He received his degree in 1949.

Upon completion of his education, Charles returned to Franklin County. Shortly after that, he married Eleanor and they moved to Lancaster, PA so that Charles could complete technical courses and training in watchmaking. Then the couple returned to Rocky Mount where Charles joined his father-in-law in Martin Jewelry Co. Charles worked alongside his father-in-law and took over proprietorship when his father-in-law retired. Martin Jewelry was as fixture in downtown Rocky Mount for nearly a century before finally closing in 1995.

Charles was also very active in the community in which he lived, raised his family and worked. Among his many civic duties, he was a long-term member of the Franklin County School Board and was its Chairman during the early 1980s. He also served on committees in the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, was a member of the Rocky Mount/Franklin County Retail Merchants Association and was a member of the West Piedmont Planning District Commission.

Shortly before his retirement, Charles and Eleanor moved to Smith Mountain Lake where they maintained a residence for 14 years. They enjoyed their time at the lake meeting new friends while maintaining life-long friendships with other Franklin County natives. He spent his leisure time playing golf, traveling and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Later, Charles and Eleanor moved to Roanoke. They lived in the southwest part of the city until they took up residence in the Brandon Oaks Retirement Community in 2013. It did not take long for him become part of the community, once again maintaining old friendships while creating new ones.

Charles was an active member of the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church for most of his adult life. He regularly attended service until his health prevented it.

In lieu of flowers, Charles requested memorial donations be made to the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 N Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or the Brandon Oaks Endowment Fund.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Brandon Oaks Nursing Facility for the excellent care they provided while Charles was a resident. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church with Rev. Will Waller officiating. Interment will be private at Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.