James E. Early

Published 8:05 am Thursday, October 17, 2019

AHOSKIE, NC – James Edward Early, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, NC.

Mr. Early was born on October 26, 1929 or as Edward would say, “when they were pickin peanuts”, to Otis Early and Ruth Mizelle Early in Hertford County, NC. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent his life farming. Mr. Early enjoyed his daily trips to town on his tractor or moped as long as his health permitted. He would sit for a soda pop at Eddie Harrell’s Auto and Sports Store in his special chair. He was a simple man that cherished his family. Mr. Early will be missed deeply by all that knew him.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Northcott, and Rebecca Hoggard; and a nephew, Tony Hoggard.

Edward is survived by two nephews, Gary Northcott and wife Myra of Ahoskie, and Herbie Hoggard and wife Diane of Elizabeth City, NC; niece, Martha Hoggard Bates of Chesapeake, VA; two great-nephews, Jeffrey Northcott and wife Tori, and Anthony Northcott; great great-niece, Magnolia “Maggie” Northcott, all of Ahoskie; along with a host of extended family members.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Ahoskie Cemetery, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Raleigh Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Early family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.