Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Stephen Earls Obituary
Mr. Stephen Elmer Earls, 77, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Wendover Hospice House. A native of Cleveland County, he was born on December 13, 1947, son of the late Elmer and Verdie Putnam Earls. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Stanley Earls, and one sister, Catherine Fortenberry.
Stephen is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years, Sheila Lail Earls of the home, one son, Shane Earls and wife Tina of Shelby, one daughter, Stacy Earls (Chip King) of Rutherfordton, NC, six grandchildren, Luke Earls, Brett Earls, Trey Greene, Jack King, Ava King, and Brody Humphries.
The family would like to offer an extra thanks to two special caregivers, Charlotte Randolph and Debbie Robertson.
Stephen was a Sergeant in the US Army and a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church. He retired from PPG after almost 40 years.
The family will receive friends at Flint Hill Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:00. The funeral service will follow at 2:00, officiated by Rev. Horace Jefferies and Rev. Keith Dixon.
Burial to follow in the church cemetery.
To honor the life of Stephen, the pallbearers will be Shane Earls, Luke Earls, Brett Earls, Chip King, Trey Greene, Bobby Earls and Brody Humphries.
To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.
A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc. 2518 West Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152 704-487-5811
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2518 W Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152
People and places connected with Stephen
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Earls
Tell your own story about Stephen
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Stephen Earls's name
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Earls'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
