Mr. Thomas Luther “Tommy” Easterling Jr., 71, of Rockingham, North Carolina went to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Tommy was born March 22, 1951 and was son of the late Thomas Easterling Sr. and Maime Tanner Easterling.
Along with his parents, Tommy is preceded in death by his brother, Jeffery Easterling.
Tommy was a Richmond County native, and like any native, he loved his community. Tommy accomplished so much in his life and was a proud man to both God and his Country. Tommy served proudly in the United States Army. Following this, he worked for Carolina Power and Light Company for several years. Being a devoted man, Tommy would then go on to become a pastor and ministered for his community for nearly 10 years. Most recently before retirement, he worked briefly for Sterling Transport.
Tommy was a man of God, having been affiliated with Spring Hill Wesleyan Church and recently Abundant Life church. Outside of work, Tommy was a loving husband to Gloria, to whom he was married for 44 years. After retirement, Gloria and Tommy spent many years traveling. They frequently visited Charleston, South Carolina, Helen, Georgia, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Tommy loved playing his guitar on his backyard porch and reading his Bible every night. His favorite song to play was “Zion’s Hill.” Along with being a devout husband, Tommy was an affectionate father to his “furbaby” Lil’ Man. Every night around 8 o’clock, Tommy and Lil’ Man had their own ritual. Tommy would break up a biscuit and hide the pieces for Lil’ Man to find. In both his personal life and in his career, Tommy was a compassionate and devoted man. He took pride in his faith and family, who will miss him dearly.
Tommy is survived by his wife Gloria, of the home; siblings, Kay Roberts (Ronald) of Greenville, South Carolina, Walter Easterling (Pam), of Rockingham, Leah Grooms (Joey) of Rockingham, and Angela Newton (Ron) of Lilesville; nephews, Joe Grooms, Luke Grooms; nieces, Elizabeth Umlauf, Michael Roberts, Katie Mines and Kelly Taylor; lifelong friends, Jerry Frye, Carl James and Ronald James; and his dog, Lil’ Man.
The family will receive family and friends Saturday March 11, 2023 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham, North Carolina. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at Bear Branch Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Wilkes Sr. officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made out to Abundant Life Church, P.O. Box 71 Hamlet, North Carolina 28345.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Easterling family.
