Eli Gregory McCloud

Eli McCloud, born on October 6, 2014, left this earthly realm on December 11, 2023, at the age of 9, due to a tragic car accident. Hailing from Beaufort County, NC, Eli was a force to be reckoned with, bringing joy and excitement to everyone he encountered.
With interests ranging from Nerf Guns to water guns, Fortnite and spirited back-and-forths on his gaming headset, Eli was always up for an adventure. He had an emerging sneakerhead status, taking great pride in his growing collection. And let's not forget his love for the pungent delight of onions fresh out of the garden – a quirk that only added to his unique personality.
Eli knew how to make a splash, quite literally, as he enjoyed swimming and riding bikes with boundless energy. His toy cars were his trusty companions, forever exploring imaginary roads and conquering imaginary lands.
He has been met in heaven by several members of his family who have passed: Cody McCloud, Xander Mendoza, and Chy'cago Tomlim.
He is survived by a large, loving family and countless friends, and leaves behind a legacy of exuberance and zest for life. Among his survivors are his father Phil McCloud Jr., stepmother Ashleigh McCloud, his mother Ashley McCloud; and siblings Maliyah Burnett, Isabel and Jimmy McCloud. His extended family includes great-grandparents John and Nancy Cooper, paternal grandmother Christine Hughes, paternal grandfather Phil McCloud, grandparents Rhuberna McCloud, Steve and Chelsea Hilsinger, Kandas Cooper, Samantha Huff, and her husband Kevin.
Eli's infectious presence will be deeply missed by his uncles Henry Hughes and James Knox, aunts Alexys Hilsinger, Kelly McCloud, and Brandy Burnett, as well as his aunts and uncles Mary and Guy Loftin and Jesse and Joe Staton, Tim and Melanie Cooper, Alycia Cruz and Alexys Hilsinger. He also leaves behind numerous cousins: Beja Loftin, Addy Turner, Jackson Cooper, Grayson and Natalie Hilsinger, Gianna and Jorden Cruz, Bentley and Sophia Brock, Devin and Jalen Knox, nieces Ari'ella Gill and Kai'ani Burnett.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service Chapel with a visitation prior to at 1:00 PM. The committal will follow immediately thereafter at Homestead Memorial Gardens at 4251 E. 10th St. in Greenville, NC.
Eli's memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him. He was a ball of energy, talking a mile-a-minute in a thick country accent, always curious and asking a million questions about everything. He had a heart of gold and never hesitated to lend a hand wherever he could.
In Eli's absence, may we all strive to approach life with his spirited enthusiasm and remind ourselves to cherish the simple joys that brought him so much happiness. Rest in peace, dear Eli.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made HERE to help the family during this trying and unexpected time.
Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the McCloud family.