McKinley E. Earwood

McKinley E. Earwood, 79, of Morganton went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2009. Born on June 23, 1930, he was the son of the late Obie and Ada Earwood. McKinley owned and operated a sawmill/timber business for 30 years. Upon his retirement in 1988, he enjoyed gardening, growing fruit trees, and selling produce at the local farmer’s market. McKinley attended Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church where he taught the Adult Men’s Sunday school class for 50 years. His Christian walk was a testament of his love for the Lord. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Mildred Earwood of the home; children and their spouses, Mike and Lois Earwood of Cherry Hill, NJ, James and LaDonna Earwood of Valdese, and Donna and John Jasmin of Aiken, SC; and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. John Michael Earwood of Haddon Heights, NJ, Jacob Earwood of Cherry Hill, Jennifer, John Ross, and Jay Jasmin, all of Aiken, and Andrew and Kristen Earwood of Valdese.In addition to his parents, McKinley was preceded in death by a brother, Conley Earwood who was killed in action during the Korean War.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2009 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Roger Brackett and Rev. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 1415 Conley Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to South Mountain Retreat and Conference Center, PO Box 500, Caser, NC 28020 or The Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680-0678.