Carlton Lee Early, 96, of the 4200 block of Race Street, died Sunday, October 5, 2008, in Columbia SC.
Mr. Early was born on October 21, 1911, in Bertie County, NC, a son of the late Alphonso James and Lavenia Evans Early. He was a resident of Portsmouth for 57 years, and a member and deacon of Westhaven Baptist Church. Carlton was retired from the U.S. Armed Forces after 24 years of service, serving two years in the U.S. Army and 22 years in U.S. Navy. After retirement from the military, he worked as an accountant for Dean Hardwood in Portsmouth, VA for 20 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 70 years, Mae Bozeman Early; his two daughters, Cheryl Renshaw, and Linda Fitch, both of Columbia SC; and a sister, Doris Cowan of Winterville, NC. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Sheri Felkel and husband, Dennis of Columbia, SC and Tisha Siler of San Antonio, TX; and two great grandchildren, Jason Meads of Elizabeth City, NC, and Cameron Felkel of Columbia, SC.
A graveside celebration of life service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at Ahoskie Cemetery, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. Tracy Powers officiating. The family will receive friends at Garrett Funeral Home-Ashley Chapel, 205 C Highway 42 West, Ahoskie, one hour prior to services, from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m., prior to services.