Joseph Early

Joseph N. Early VIRGINIA BEACH - Our father, Joseph N. Early, went home to God in eternal heaven, during the evening hours of Sept. 18, 2008, with his family by his side. He was 78-years-old. Joseph Nelson Early was born May 7, 1930, in Norfolk, to his proud parents, the late Alta and Maurice Early. Joe started work at an early age delivering groceries and newspapers. He joined the Coast Guard and became a recruiter for approximately eight years. Joe then obtained a college degree through Old Dominion University (William and Mary Extension). He worked at Sullivan's suit store and Esso Gas/Oil before he became a claims adjuster for Geico and Aetna from which he retired from. Later on in life, he was employed for Kalfus and Nachman. Joe married a beautiful woman and had a family of three children. Our father was a devoted family man, who loved and cherished time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members and friends. He loved long Sunday afternoon drives in the country, visits to the mountains, luncheons with his Maury High School friends, and he showed an extreme interest in locomotive trains. Our Father was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Lucinda Early and his precious daughter, Kimberly. Left behind to cherish fond and precious memories are his two sons, Stephen L. Early and his wife Ann and Kevin D. Early and his wife Janet; his brother, "Buddy" Maurice Early; four grandchildren, Stefanie Mitchell and her husband John Mitchell, Stephen R. Early, Cory Joseph Early and Isaac Chandler "ICE" Early; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Tucker Mitchell; and a big family and friends. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Thalia Lynn Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Prentis McGoldrick. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of our father to one of the following: American Diabetes Association, Dementia/Alzheimer's, Heartland Hospice Company or the American Heart Association. To celebrate the life of Joe, please visit his everlasting memorial at www.mem.com. Our father, Joe, had been diagnosed recently with dementia. He put up a "strong-willed battle" over the course of the past several months. His declining health did not interrupt his spirit for love with his family and friends. With the expressed gratitude for the entire Early family, we wish to thank the staff of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Marion Manor, Heartland Hospice and the continuous efforts of the staff at MRI and CT Diagnostics. We, also, wish to thank the continuos friendship and support of Dick and Doris Bauer, cousins Beverly and James Craddock and especially the love and support of his brother, Buddy.