Edward Lee Earl, Jr.,73, of Suffolk, VA, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 30, 2017.

Mr. Earl was born in Suffolk, Virginia on June 17, 1943 to Edward Earl, Jr. and Thelma V. G. Williams Earl. He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Air Force soon thereafter. He returned home after five years of faithful service, and enrolled in the Apprenticeship Program at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He graduated from the Apprenticeship Program and embarked upon a long and fulfilling career as a Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair for the U.S. Department of the Navy. This highly specialized position would take him to many locations around the world and further his love for international travel and culture, and, of course, shipbuilding.

He was a certified disaster relief volunteer for the Red Cross, completed the NYC marathon twice and enjoyed hiking and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his ex-wife and life-long friend Mrs. Luvenia G. Earl, two daughters, Prof. Eleanor Earl and Pastor Carmen Everett, four sons, Mr. Keith Thorogood, Dr. Michael Thorogood, Mr. Ronald Earl and Mr. Donald Earl, and 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, sister, Mrs. Evelyn D. Earl Roberts, and brothers, Dr. Archie W. Earl, Sr., Rev. Larry G. Earl, Sr., Mr. David L. Earl as well as many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Edward Lee Earl, Jr. ' s life will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, located at 245 S. Armistead Avenue in Hampton, VA. Visitation will take place from10am to 11 am and the memorial service from 11am to 12 noon. You may visit www.rhaydensmith.com to sign the guestbook and to offer condolences.