Richard Earl Esslinger Sr.

Richard Earl Esslinger Sr., lovingly known as "Earl" or "Big E," of Lillington, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2025, at the age of 86, after a peaceful passing following a brief decline in health.

Born on September 29, 1939, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Earl carried his Tennessee roots proudly throughout his life, especially whenever the Volunteers were playing.

Earl was a man whose life was filled with purpose, curiosity, and a deep desire to help others. His career spanned many roles, each reflecting his love for learning and leadership. He began his professional life in industrial management with Rohm and Haas before stepping into education, where he discovered a calling he truly loved. Throughout his career, he also consulted with companies such as Black & Decker, Purolator, and others-bringing his expertise, creativity, and problem-solving into every environment he touched.

At Fayetteville Technical Community College, Earl served as Department Chairman of Industrial Management and later helped pioneer the curriculum in robotics. One of his proudest achievements was establishing a student management project that grew into the Dogwood Festival Celebrity Golf Tournament, a highlight of his professional career and a project that blended his talents for organization, community, and a little flare of theatrics.

He spent many years teaching engineering, robotics, and industrial management at FTCC and other institutions, investing in students with the same passion and humor he carried everywhere he went.

Though called into ministry at a young age, Earl didn't answer that call until later in life. When he did, he committed himself fully. After retiring from his career, he became a pastor with a clear mission: to lead people to the Lord and help them find salvation. He had a genuine burden for souls, and people were naturally drawn to him. Whether in a church, a grocery store aisle, or a parking lot, Earl would stop whatever he was doing to pray with someone, encourage them, or share the hope of the Gospel.

Earl lived with an LVAD for 15 years, a testament to his strength, resilience, and the Lord's sustaining grace. He faced life with a sense of humor, a servant's heart, and unwavering faith. He adored his family, loved Tennessee sports, and was the kind of man who poured himself into everything he did.

Earl is survived by his devoted wife, Doris Cameron Esslinger; and his children: Richard Earl Esslinger Jr. and wife, Carol, Donald Todd Esslinger, Dawn Esslinger Shuh and husband, Monson, Lindsey Esslinger Ritchie and husband, Mikeal. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Horace Esslinger and Lottie Mae Esslinger, and his daughter, Kim Esslinger Klemish.

The family will hold a private burial.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned for a later date, and details will be shared once arrangements are complete. For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation and viewing will be available at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. Please note that the family will not be present during these times. Visitation will be available: Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The family recognizes that this is Thanksgiving week and understands that many may be unable to attend. These extended visitation hours are simply offered for those who desire to come by, pay their respects and sign the guestbook for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope For The Nation, a nonprofit close to the family's heart. Make checks payable to Hope For The Nation. P. O. Box 43175 Vestavia, AL 35243

Earl's legacy is one of faith, generosity, humor, and love - a life that touched countless others in meaningful ways.