Earl Eaker Obituary
Pinkney was born on December 17, 1937 in Lincoln County, NC son of the late Earl Pinkney Eaker, Sr. and Annie Mae Thomas Eaker. He retired from Hoechst Celanese in Shelby. Pinkney was proud to have been a farmer all of his life, farming the land where he had lived most all of his life. He was a member of Waco Baptist Church where he served as a former R.A. leader.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Porter and Carolyn Brittain.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Martha Fitch Eaker of the home; a son, Jason Eaker and wife Stephanie; two daughters, Joy Eaker Summer and husband Steve; Sara Eaker Brunner; son-in-law, Mike Brunner all of Cherryville; six grandchildren, Shane Summer (Kristin), Makenzie Summer (Jared), Kerragan Brunner, Kennedy Brunner, Troy Brooks and Sara Brooks; two great grandchildren, Rylee Summer and Allie Summer; three sisters, Jenny Williams of Shelby; Kay Rochester of Cherryville; Gail Sparks of Gastonia; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Ruby Sechriest of Forest City; two brothers-in-law, Dewey Fitch (Brenda) of Cherryville; Frank Fitch (Barbara) of Mooresboro; his best friend Dennis McCombs and best little buddy Izzy.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Via Health Partners for the wonderful care they provided.
The family will receive friends from 10:45AM to 11:45AM on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00PM on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Neal Efird officiating.
Burial will be private.
Memorials may be made to Waco Baptist Church, PO Box 297, Waco, NC 28169 or the Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice of Cleveland County) 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com
Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Eaker. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Ben Cochran
January 5, 2026
Jason I hated to hear your dad passed.My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Nancy Hedtke
January 5, 2026
Jason, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Jacqueline Brooks
January 5, 2026
May peace and comfort find you in the days ahead.
Norman Melton
January 5, 2026
Jason I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. I didn't know him personally but if he's any kind of person like you, he's a great fellow!!!!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mitch Monteith
January 5, 2026
Jason, I'm so sorry for your loss. You & your family are in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
405 N. Dixie St. PO Box 427, Cherryville, NC 28021
Make a Donation
in Earl Eaker's name
People and places connected with Earl
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Earl's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Earl Eaker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
