Mr. Earl Stanley "EJ" Hockaday Jr.

On January 19, 2026, Earl Stanley "EJ" Hockaday, Jr., a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, comrade, and a truly good man, entered into eternal rest and peace at his home in Gaston, North Carolina. He was born to Earl Stanley Hockaday, Sr. and Mildred Revis Hockaday on December 6, 1976, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

During his early years, EJ accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized at the Fidelity Baptist Church in the Summit Community of Littleton, North Carolina. He loved the Lord and strived to serve as a positive influence in the lives of his family and friends. He believed that the Lord should be the paramount in our lives.

EJ was educated in the Halifax County Public School System and graduated with the class of 1994 from Northwest Halifax County High School in Littleton, North Carolina. He then became employed by several automobile companies. Guided by a lifelong passion for automobiles, EJ established "Earl's Auto", his own successful mechanic shop in 2018. He was recognized for his generosity, lowering of rates, and for using his talents to support and uplift the community.

In 1992, Earl met his high school sweetheart, Kisha Partrall Harris. They were united in Holy Matrimony on September 25, 2004. They have been blessed with two wonderful children, Lamarius and La'Eshae. He was a good provider and a loving father who worked hard to take care of his family.

Earl was always ready with a joke or funny story and brought laughter wherever he went. His calm presence made everyone feel at ease, and his bright, infectious smile could light up the whole room. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and love of life. He was very athletic and loved sports, especially football. However, his greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren, repairing automobiles, fishing, driving ATV's (Drag 4 Wheelers), cooking to share meals with those he loved, the love of chickens and starting his own farm, HBG (Hockaday Boy Game Fowl). A true wanderer at heart, EJ embraced the open road, explored new places, and formed lasting connections wherever his travels took him.

Those remaining to celebrate his Homegoing and to forever share treasured memories of his life are his wife of twenty-two years, Kisha H. Hockaday; his children, Lamarius, La'Eshae, and Shaun; his four beloved grandchildren: Lamarius, Jr., La'Miyah, Katelyn, and Jaylyn, Jr.; his parents, Mildred Revis and Earl Hockaday (Polly); his father-in-law, Johnnie Harris, eight sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and loyal friends.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Robinson Funeral Home, 215 US Highway 158, Littleton, NC. The funeral service will follow on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, 195 Sycamore St., Weldon, NC. Dr. Clarence L. Harris is the Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Leon Abbott will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the Revis Family Cemetery, 168 Davie School Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC.