Edward Franklin "Eddie" Cales

 

     Edward Franklin “Eddie” Cales departed from this life on Friday, March 31st following a long illness.

     Born on November 28, 1943 at home in Ramp, Eddie spent his early years seeking employment in Indianapolis, Indiana; Richmond, Virginia; and Bellvue, Ohio.

     Eddie worked in construction and on the railroad, starting out as a trackman for N & W Railroad in Ohio. Spending most of his life in Summers County, Eddie was later employed by C&O Railway, and ultimately as a Buildings and Bridges Mechanic with CSX. Eddie was a well-known and talented instrumentalist, teaching himself to play the dobro by ear beginning at the age of 14. Eddie played with numerous local bands and musicians. He considered musicians such as “Uncle Josh” Graves and Charlie Waller of the Country Gentlemen as friends. While performing with the West Virginia Bluegrass Connection, Eddie and his bandmates opened for Alison Krauss at the West Virginia State Fair. Eddie was also invited to join the Country Gentlemen, but he declined the offer due to family obligations. Over the years, Eddie was interviewed by students and professionals alike, including a representative from the Library of Congress. Eddie was also designated a “Distinguished West Virginian” by former governor, Bob Wise. Eddie was also an avid outdoorsman and spent most of his later years on Shepherd’s Mountain, where he once fed cattle “for a dollar a day.” If Eddie wasn’t talking about bluegrass music or the dobro, he was talking about the latest coyote he was tracking.

Eddie was knowledgeable about the mountains and loved sharing information and

insight with others. Eddie was also a gifted storyteller and could make others laugh to tears. Many have said that Eddie “never met a stranger.” Eddie was a man of faith and he read the Bible or devotionals daily. He attended Ramp Holiness Church, where he had once attended (Locustdale) school.

     In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Basil Gilbert, Lester Manuel, Curtis Clyde, Gladys Marie, Emmett Paul, Charles Henry, Thelma Mae, and Leonard Lloyd. Eddie was also preceded in death by his first wife, Karen (Vandall) Cales.

     Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kristi “Cricket” Cales of Roanoke, Virginia; his long-time companion, Phyllis Robbins of White Sulphur Springs; sister-in law and good friend, Pauline Cales of Rupert; and sister-in-law, Tina Cales of Ramp. Eddie also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, extended family, and numerous friends.

     Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors in Hinton with Pastors Jerry Adkins and Felix Baker officiating. Burial will follow at the King Cemetery on Swell Mountain, Sandstone. Friends may call from 10:30 A.M. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral parlors. Pallbearers will be Timmy Cyrus, Kris Cales, Bobby Cales, Andy Lyons, Dave McCormack, and Larry Cox.   In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to assist with burial costs to P.O. Box 760 Hinton, WV  25951.