John “J. B.” Eaker, 73, went home to be with his Savior on Friday November 15, 2013. Born in Cleveland County on April 21 1940, he was the son of the late George Franklin and Mildred Carroll Eaker. J. B. was a Gideon and a member of Putnam Baptist Church where he taught the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class for over eight years. After high school he played for two years for the semi pro Chicago White Sox team. He was a graduate of Howard’s Business College where he earned a degree in Business. He was in textile management at Tietex International in Spartanburg S.C., where he retired. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister Flora McAllister.

J. B. is survived by his wife of 38 years, Theresa Beattie Eaker; a son, Ty Eaker and wife Debbie of Shelby; two daughters, Barbara Frost of Morehead City, and Leisa Traxler and husband Charles of Morehead City; an adopted daughter, Tara McCurry and husband Dennis of Kings Mountain; and seven grandchildren, Shawn, Joshua, Aaron, and Brittany Frost, Jonathan Eaker, Madison Shubert, and Paul Brown.

A celebration of the life service will be held at Putnam Baptist Church on Sunday November 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Bryan Glisson, Rev. Gary Marburger, and Rev. William Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday November 18, 2013 from 6:00 - 7:30pm at  Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.  At other times the family will be at the home.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to:  Putnam Baptist Church, 1146 County Home Road, Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice Cleveland County 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Eaker.