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Earl Painter Obituary
Born to A.A. and Elizabeth Hoffman Painter on October 9, 1946, Earl spent most of his life in the Mount Holly area. Earl was a U.S. Navy veteran of three tours in Vietnam and a proud American.
Earl's avocation was the optometry field and eyeglasses business. He was a devoted and long standing member of the Denver American Legion Post 455 serving on the baseball program that he loved. Many neighbors, friends and family counted on Earl's help with many tasks. Mostly, they counted on his friendship.
We all loved Earl - young, old, dogs, and cats. He had so many stories, including his days at old Holly High School, Vietnam, and escapades with his friends. Earl could make you laugh and smile, and his positive attitude was contagious. We have many memories of Earl: feeding a bag of gingersnaps to a dog, taking sandbags to a widow to keep her basement from flooding, singing gospel songs on the way to Captain's Cap, and making a teenager laugh. Earl wanted to keep up with his family and friends. Everyone who came into his circle became his friend. He was a treasured friend with a wonderful sense of humor and could make the darkest days bright. We have so many memories of a man who loved the Lord, his country and his friends. We love you, too, Earl. See you when we get there.
Earl was predeceased by his parents and brothers Ted Painter and James Wiley Crump. Survivors include his brothers Ronald Painter of Mineral Springs, NC; Larry Painter of Newland, NC; and numerous cousins, extended family and countless friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Community Christian Fellowship Church, 2560 Stanley-Lucia Road, with the Rev. Roger Grassfield officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to UMAR Home, 2250 Baltic Street, Gastonia NC 28054, Attn: Bobbie Gilliam.
Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Painter
Danielle
October 3, 2010
Remember when u would cook hot dogs and mac and cheese for daisy and rowdy and u said u were going home to take care of your girlfriend daisy. you are up there with daisy now and i love u and miss u earl...
Peggy Ellison
October 2, 2010
I only spent one day with Earl when my cousin Dolly took me along as we visited Earl and sang to Alan Jackson spirituals on the way to eat clam chowder - I will never forget him. His love of the Lord and positive attitude were contagious. Earl lived each day no matter the circumstances. If we all could do that. See you when we get there, Earl.
Tammy Aldinger
October 1, 2010
Earl you will forever be in my heart. You have the kindest heart of any one I know. If everyone was more like you the world would be a better place. I remember you always saying "I wish everyone would just get along". I know you have found peace where you are now. I loved you yesterday, I love you today and I will always love you tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying a good ball game in heaven. xoxox
Jimmy Yeager
September 29, 2010
Earl,a friend to all but a very special friend to me. So many trips and so many stories to tell. Where would we start. Remember Earl's bucket and Jimmy's bucket, and who could catch the most fish. We had to make sure the fish went into the right bucket. Then after all that fun making those buckets we catch over 100 fish and too tired to clean them. So many stories and so much fun. Earl, does heaven look anything like Riverbend.
Thanks for filling my bucket w/ your friendship.
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September 29, 2010
I was part of the good times at the old Mt. Holly High. Earl was a good friend and such a pleasure to be around. I haven't seen him for a long time but thought of him quite often. Rest well my friend.
Bob McCall Mt. Holly, NC.
Melody Mumbulo
September 28, 2010
Earl was one in a million whom I will never forget. In the time that myself and my family knew Earl he would always have a caring way about him that was natural for him. He would give my sons Cody or Harley a ride where they needed to go if myself or my husband said no. They knew all they had to do was go ask Earl. Cody would go over to visit and Cody would come home with a lawn mower or a weed eater. When Earl was diagnosed with cancer and I cared for Earl I had some good days and some not so good and Earl could always make me smile or laugh. Earl was a old-fashioned type person who just was so proud of what little he had. Day or night Earl would call me and I was there for him. Taking care of Earl and being his friend was very rewarding and enjoyable for me. Myself and my family will miss him dearly. He is now in peace.
Ken Bolick
September 28, 2010
Earl had many nicknames, Squirrel, Magoo, and I often called him the "Morale Officer". No matter what the circumstances, he would make you laugh. I will dearly miss my fellow "River Rat" and "Delta Rat", and all the laughs and war stories we shared. He loved fishing and the Catawba River, that's why we called ourselves "River Rats" and we both ended up "Delta Rats". He is now spreading his sunshine in heaven. Save us a place Squirrel.
Thomas Farmer
September 28, 2010
Earl Painter was a good friend to my father, who will miss him tremendously. I know that my father will not be alone in mourning Earl's death, and I will remember all of Earl's loved ones in my prayers.
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