Earl Samuel Molton Sr.

Earl Samuel Molton Sr., died on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at The Charlottesville Health and Rehab Nursing Home in Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old, just two months shy of his 88th birthday.

Earl was retired from Bethlehem Steel in Sparrows Point, Maryland. During his tenure in Maryland, Earl and his beloved wife, Janice Elizabeth Molton, were very Involved in activities involving the youth and both were members of the PTA. They were referred to fondly by the young who congregated at their home often.

In 1970, Earl relocated his family to Madison, Virginia. During the next 40 years, Earl and Janice would be founders/owners/operators of The 230 Market in Madison, Virginia,The Circle Inn Restaurant in Ruckersville, Virginia, and finally, The Airline Grocery in Thelma, Virginia. He was well respected and loved by many.

Earl was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Janice Elizabeth Molton; his parents, James and Catherine Molton; three brothers, John Molton Sr., Harry Molton, and Wilbur Molton Sr.; and one sister, Margaret.

Earl is survived by four sons, namely, Willis Daniel Sipe Sr. and Irene Dudley, of Ruckersville, Virginia, Darrell Wayne Sipe of Orange, Virginia, Earl Samuel Molton Jr. and his wife, Grace, of North Carolina and James Walter Molton II, of Pocahontas, Virginia; four daughters, namely, Betty Lou Salyers and her husband, Bill, Catherine Simms, Evelyn Ange and her husband, Michael, all of Tidewater, Brenda Wade of Pennsylvania, Janet Leigh Nicholson and her husband, Donnie, Virginia Johnston and her husband, Jerry, and Catherine Rogers and her husband, Butch, all of Gordonsville, Virginia; and one sister, Dorothy Gilpatrick of Pennsylvania. Earl also leaves to cherish his memory many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Earl's family would like to thank the many individuals who helped care for him during his illness, both at home and while in a nursing home. A special thank you to Josie Gentry of Gordonsville, Tammy Gallihugh of Madison, and Edith Pulliam and Lonnie Beasley of Troy. A special heartfelt thank you to Cecil McClary of Gordonsville for his many deeds of kindness to Earl and his family, along with the staff of Trinity Mission Nursing Home, The Charlottesville Health and Rehab, Hospice, and Dr. Gazewood and his staff.

The family is holding a Celebration in honor of Earl Molton, 4 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the home of Jerry and Virginia Johnston, located at 59 Penta Drive (Klockner Village) in Gordonsville, Virginia. Please bring a covered dish and a good story to share. The family welcomes all of Earl's customers, friends, and business associates to attend this most special day.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Earl's honor, payable to Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville, P.O. Box 714, Gordonsville, VA 22942.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.