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AHOSKIE – William Sumner “Bill” Earley, age 84, of Stokes Street, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at his home with his loving wife by his side. Bill was born on November 1, 1937 to Sumner Woodrow Earley and Ruby Norville Earley in Harrellsville, NC.

Bill began his career with the FBI Fingerprinting Division in Washington, DC. After a short stint with the FBI he returned to North Carolina in 1958 and began work with the ASCS, later called Farm Service Agency (FSA). He was appointed Hertford County ASCS/FSA Executive Director in 1962, from which he retired in 2011 after 54 years of service. He served as past State President of the North Carolina Association of FSA County Employees (NoCASCOE). Bill dedicated his life toward the betterment of agriculture and helping area farmers.

Bill was an active member of First Baptist Church Ahoskie, where he served as Deacon, a member of the Sanctuary Choir and a teacher of the Men’s Radio Bible Class.

Bill was active in serving the community by directing the Ahoskie JR Miss Pageant, and President of the Hertford County Athletic Association, both for many years. He was a proud member of the Ahoskie Jaycees and the Ahoskie Rotary Club serving as a past President of each.

Bill has been referred to as a true Southern Gentleman, who was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a love of life and a true understanding of what was important in life.  He was loved greatly by his family and friends. Bill was too well loved to ever be forgotten.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorethea Earley Joyner; a niece, Penny Coyne; and two nephews, Barry Earley, and Sonny Joyner.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; two brothers, Rondal “Ron” Earley and wife Marilyn of Suffolk, VA, and Wayne Earley and wife Betty of Kitty Hawk, NC; a brother-in-law, William Powell and wife Eddie-Jo of Shawboro, NC; three nephews, Paxtin Powell, Brian Earley and wife Sherry, and Derrick Earley; three nieces, Brenda Earley, Beth McDowell, and Julie Strong; and two God daughters, Carolyn Pierce, and Catherine Pierce.

A special thank you goes to Dr. Charles Sawyer for his friendship, his guidance, and his patience over the years, and to Dr. Julian Taylor for his friendship and support.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, with Rev. Dr. Jesse J. Croom, Rev. Dr. Paul R. Gilliam, III, and Rev. Anita Thompson officiating. A private inurnment will be in the First Baptist Church Columbarium. A reception will follow the service in the parish hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie Music Ministry, PO Box 649, Ahoskie, NC, 27910 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com, search fund/ type- Bill Early or to a charity of your choice.

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