Earl Vance Ditamore

Earl Vance Ditamore

July 28, 1947 - October 4, 2025

Earl Vance "Big Earl" Ditamore passed away on October 4, 2025 at the age of 78. While he was born in the state of New York, he and his parents moved to Virginia when he was a toddler and he never wanted to live anywhere else.

He is survived by his wife, Emley Buikstra Ditamore; his son, Earl G. Ditamore (Paula); his daughter, Barbara Ditamore (Billy Skelly); the mother of his children, Paula Mullins; his grandchildren Matthew Horton (Kara), Terri Horton, and Tiffani Ditamore; the father of his older grandchildren, Billy Horton; his great-grandchildren, Huntleigh Edwards, Ryder Horton and his first great-grandson on the way, Maxon Horton; and his sister, Catherine Ditamore.

From a young age, Earl was enamored with all things mechanical and always wanted to work outdoors. He taught himself to drive forklifts, tractors, front-end loaders, back hoes, and tractor trailers. Using these skills, he worked for a variety of companies before starting his own business in 2003, Ditamore Trucking Company with the purchase of his own Peterbilt tractor and trailer. His work as a trucker took him from sea to sea and from the northern to the southern borders. He really loved seeing different parts of the country and talking to people on his routes. He was forced to retire in 2018 due to health issues.

While trucking was his vocation, his avocation was motorcycles. It all started with a Royal Enfield when he was barely 20, then it was a chopper, and finally, the holy grail, a Harley Davidson! He made several runs to Sturgis and cross-country trips. He always preferred to ride his Harley to driving his pickup truck and continued to do so until his retirement.

Because of his interests in engines, he taught himself the inner workings of cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles so that he could make repairs himself, which he loved doing. He was able to figure out most things on his own; but, when stumped, he'd be able to solve the problem after posing just a few questions to an expert.

Consistent with his love of the outdoors, he was a gun enthusiast and lifetime member of the NRA. He passed that interest to his children and grandchildren.

His detailed and extensive memory of engines/machinery/guns allowed him to share his knowledge with anyone who needed it. He really loved talking about what he knew and sharing his knowledge with others. He also enjoyed talking about his various travels, with an uncanny ability to cite specific routes and route numbers.

Earl was a funny, good and kind man, loyal to a fault, admired by many and remembered by all. He never had a need to yell; people just listened when he spoke; perhaps, they were mesmerized by his beard which he wore since 1970.

In summary, he was a loving Father, Husband, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. He knew that he had an amazing life; did what he wanted, when he wanted; and had a good time while he was here.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.moserfuneralhome.com