Mr. Jasper Eley, age 91, of Jackson, NC died Sunday, February 8, 2009 at his home.
Mr. Eley was born November 16, 1917 in Southampton County, VA, the son of the late John and Pauline Lankford Eley. He was also predeceased by his brothers, John, Clyde and Herman Eley; and a sister, Elizabeth Eley.
Mr. Eley was owner and operator of Jasper Eley and Associates Surveying until his retirement in 2001. He was also a forester for W.P. Morris Lumber Company. Mr. Eley was a member of Jackson United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee and Steward. He was also a member of the Seaboard Masonic Lodge. He was selected to the Personalities of the South in recognition of his achievements and outstanding service to his community. He served as a Northampton County Commissioner for thirty years and was chairman of the Board of Commissioner for twenty years. An annex to the Northampton County Court House was named in his honor. The Jasper Eley Annex was dedicated in 1994.
Mr. Eley served as a member of the National Guard for four years, a member of the Jackson Lions for twenty five years, a volunteer fireman, Chairman of the Northampton County Dept. of Social Services, President of the Northampton County Library Board and a Scout Master.
Mr. Eley was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was very proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Survivors include his wife, Goldie Morris Eley; one son, William David Eley and his wife Dona of Juneau, Alaska; a daughter, Deborah Marie Eley Tunstall and her husband James Edward of Tampa, Florida; and daughter Pauline Elizabeth Eley Williford and her husband Michael of Zebulon, NC. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Maria Meads Eley McClane and her husband Joshua; Elizabeth Helen Eley; Keaton Tunstall and his wife Jacqueline; William Edward Tunstall; and Elizabeth Ann Williford; and one great grandchild, Coco Reis Tunstall.
A service of thanksgiving and praise for the life of Jasper Eley will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Jackson United Methodist Church, Jackson, NC. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery with Masonic Rites.
The family will receive friends at the home following the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson United Methodist Church or to the Seaboard Masonic Lodge.
Arrangements are being handled by Massey Funeral Home in Jackson, NC.