Edward Earl Pickle

Edward Earl (Eddie) Pickle, 55, departed this life on Saturday, October 31, 2009, following a brief illness. Formerly from Rural Retreat, Va., Edward had lived the past 12 years in Marion, Va. He attended Midway Chapel and First United Methodist Church. Edward is survived by his wife, Martha; son, Michael Paul; stepchildren, Melody Eskridge and Brennan McCray; mother-in-law, Mary Jo Price; and his very special grandbaby, M.J. Eskridge. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Roberson; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Margaret Ellen Musser; brother-in-law, Bill Spraker, sisters-in-law, Betsy Henderson, Cathy Hicks. Nieces and nephews include: Melissa Henderson, Tim Roberson, Chris Roberson, Hannah Roberson, Ellen Delp, Price Spraker, Shelia Carver, Diane Wright, Rob Musser, Ruth Musser, Natalie Byrd, and John Musser. Edward is also survived by many good friends including: Sage, Charlie, Tuggle, Fid, Randy, Jerry, David, Michael, and Linda Smith. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruth Pickle and his sister, Margaret Spraker. Edward was an avid fisherman and had won numerous awards for his catches. He also loved to hunt and work on his "junk" vehicles. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix and never had to call a repairman or mechanic for anything around the house. He loved woodworking and gardening and anything having to do with Harley's. Edward and Martha traveled a great deal, visiting many states, including Hawaii, and had traveled throughout Europe. Both were avid southern rock fans and their first date was a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert! One of Edward's weaknesses was all the stray cats that he and Martha took into their home including Harvey and Billy. Edward's kindness and generous nature were his hallmarks; his sense of humor made everyone feel happier and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at Lindsey's Funeral Home in Rural Retreat, with the service beginning at 7 p.m. The burial will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Mountain View Cemetery in Rural Retreat. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made in Edward's memory to the Discretionary Fund at First United Methodist Church in Marion. This Fund helps the needy with power bills, groceries, medical expenses and would help spread Edward's compassion throughout the area. Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, Va. is in charge of arrangements.