AHOSKIE – Cedric Louis Early, Sr., age 84 of Ahoskie, passed away on March 28, 2014 at the Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

A native of Bertie County, Mr. Early was born on January 17, 1930 to the late Willie and Beulah Sessoms Early in Ahoskie. He attended and graduated from Ahoskie High School. Cedric worked for White and Woodley Mechanical Contractors for forty-six plus years while serving as President and General Manager for over twenty-three years. He was licensed in the State of North Carolina for qualifications state wide in the trade of plumbing, heating, electrical and refrigeration.

Mr. Early served in the US Army from 1951 till 1953, engaging in combat in Korea with the Tank Company of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in the winter of 1952-1953 and was discharged from the Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

He was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church, the North Carolina Professional Plumbers Association, past and present member of Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, former member of Ahoskie Jaycees, Roanoke Chowan Wildlife Club, NC Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, 45th Infantry Division Association, American Legion Post #40, and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #141.

Along with his parents, Cedric was preceded in death by his brothers, Claxton C. Early and Larry R. Early.

Cedric is survived by his loving wife Dorothy “Dottie” Early; his son, Cedric Early Jr. and wife, Eleanor of Raleigh; his granddaughter, Catherine M. Early of Athens, Ohio; his grandson, Garrett C. Early of Raleigh; his sister, Maidie S. McKinnon of Chesapeake, VA; and two nieces, Darlene A. Oddo and husband, John of Boston, MA and Natalie J. Blankenship and husband, Bob of Dallas, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, with the Rev. Richard Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center Grove Baptist Church, 826 Center Grove Rd., Ahoskie, NC 27910 or charity of choice.

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.