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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
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Eugene Earnhardt Obituary
Gerton - Eugene Irwin Earnhardt, Jr. passed away peacefully February 4 at age 85. Born in Thomasville, North Carolina on February 18, 1934 to Eugene Irwin Earnhardt, Sr. and Ruth Maier Earnhardt, married for 60 years to Barbara Ross Earnhardt, Gene was the father to three sons and the grandpa to one grandson.
Gene graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in 1952, attended Washington & Lee University, and graduated from Northwestern University in 1956 with degrees in Economics and English. He became a salesman for Alcoa Steamship Company in Manhattan, where the couple met in 1957. Married in 1959, and after a six month camping trip through much of Europe, they returned to North Carolina for Gene to enter UNC-Chapel Hill graduate school in American History. At Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, NC) for 30 years, Gene chaired the history department, ran many faculty committees, graded 1000's of papers and impacted the lives of many students and colleagues. He was an avid brush clearer and chain sawer; lover of movies, art and theater; a faithful sports fan (Go, Tar Heels!); a sharer of dry wit, insight and expertise; and a current affairs analyst through the lens of history. He and Barbara retired in 2000 to Gerton, North Carolina, the Earnhardt family's beloved summer community. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights, NY; Albemarle, NC; and Asheville, NC.
Survived by his wife, Barbara; sons David (Swannanoa, NC), Sam (Black Mountain, NC), and John (Menlo Park, CA) and daughter-in-law Lisa and grandson Jack; brothers Jim (Keith) and Tom (Dana). He was also "Uncle Gene" to nine nieces and nephews. Gene and Barbara's two cats, Lucy and Leroy, will miss him. Mainly Leroy.
A memorial service is planned for February 22 at 3pm in Black Mountain, NC in the Assembly Room at Givens Highland Farms, the couple's residence for the past five years. The Rev. Lynn Bledsoe will officiate. Friends will be received after the service. The interment will take place in early summer at Bearwallow Baptist Church cemetery in Gerton, NC.
The family is grateful to the great care Gene received from the Highland Farms health care staff over his final months...they are truly the best. In lieu of flowers or trays of lasagna (thank you!), the family has requested that any gifts be made in memoriam to the Pfeiffer Fund c/o Pfeiffer University History Department or the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Earnhardt
Sponsored by Penland Family Funeral Home Inc.
Roy Matthews
February 26, 2021
Gene was a fraternity brother at Washington and Lee, a fellow grad student at UNC, and a friend during those years. I remember Barbara and him with warm memories. I know he must have been an engaging teacher, well liked faculty member and a solid human. My sympathy to Barbara and his family. Life goes by too swiftly.
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Noelle Goins
February 11, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Sending prayers for comfort and healing.
Bettie Starr
February 10, 2020
Gene was a wonderful teacher, a thoughtful faculty member and colleague and a good friend. He made an impact on both student and faculty lives at Pfeiffer for many years. His was a life well-lived. Condolences to Barbara and his children and grsndchild.
Sandra Huntley
February 8, 2020
He was a dear friend a neighbor and he was missed when he left Gerton. You are in my prayers and thoughts Barbara.
Jeffrey Rushing
February 7, 2020
Prayers for this family. Professor Earnhardt was one of my all time favorite professors during my time at Pfeiffer and Duke Universities. Professor Earnhardt's love for history and his students convinced me to switch my major to history from religion. A great teacher and role model.
Larry Fincher
February 7, 2020
Best wishes to the family at this sad time.
I will cherish memories of our (wife Marian and me) interactions with Gene and Barb over a decade or so of retirement in Asheville.
Larry Fincher
JEAN SHEAROUSE
February 7, 2020
TO THE FAMILY OF MR. EUGENE EARNHARDT:
JUST WANTED TO SEND YOU ALL THIS SHORT NOTE TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT YOU ALL ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS & IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY ( ESPECIALLY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME). MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE. AS A MEMBER OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHEVILLE I HAVE KNOWN BOTH GENE & BARBARA.
LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN SHEAROUSE
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