Wednesday, January 7, 2026 3:44 pm

Cherryville - Mr. Earl Pinkney Eaker, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026 at his home.

Pinkney was born on December 17, 1937 in Lincoln County, NC son of the late Earl Pinkney Eaker, Sr. and Annie Mae Thomas Eaker. He retired from Hoechst Celanese in Shelby. Pinkney was proud to have been a farmer all of his life, farming the land where he had lived most all of his life. He was a member of Waco Baptist Church where he served as a former R.A. leader.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Porter and Carolyn Brittain.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Martha Fitch Eaker of the home; a son, Jason Eaker and wife Stephanie; two daughters, Joy Eaker Summer and husband Steve; Sara Eaker Brunner; son-in-law, Mike Brunner all of Cherryville; six grandchildren, Shane Summer (Kristin), Makenzie Summer (Jared), Kerragan Brunner, Kennedy Brunner, Troy Brooks and Sara Brooks; two great grandchildren, Rylee Summer and Allie Summer; three sisters, Jenny Williams of Shelby; Kay Rochester of Cherryville; Gail Sparks of Gastonia; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Ruby Sechriest of Forest City; two brothers-in-law, Dewey Fitch (Brenda) of Cherryville; Frank Fitch (Barbara) of Mooresboro; his best friend Dennis McCombs and best little buddy Izzy.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Via Health Partners for the wonderful care they provided.

The family will receive friends from 10:45AM to 11:45AM on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00PM on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Neal Efird officiating.

Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to Waco Baptist Church, PO Box 297, Waco, NC 28169 or the Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice of Cleveland County) 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Eaker.