In the early morning hours of September 24, 2020 after a time of prayer, with family by his side, Pastor J.E. Frank Earwood, 91, smiled, took a final breath, passed from this world and stepped into Heaven with his Lord and Savior. Frank was a loving and devoted husband to his beautiful, blue-eyed Marie for 59 years before her passing in 2016.  Frank was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed his faith down to his children and grandchildren.  He was blessed to be able to perform the weddings of his two children and of the 4 grandchildren who are married. He taught us all to "remember where you came from." He didn't want to leave his great-grandchildren before having the chance to bring them up in the Lord.  Frank, we promise to tell them about you and Marie and to point them to Jesus!

Frank is survived by his loving children, Theresa Huskey (Alan) and Greg Earwood (Cindy); five grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye, Heather Leybold (Bryan), Bryan Earwood (Kristen), Holly Norman (Taylor), Todd Earwood (Amanda), and Allison Earwood; 5 great-grandchildren, Blake and Levi Leybold, Bryce Norman, Hannah Marie Earwood, and Brooklyn Marie Leybold (due soon to Heather and Bryan), and many nephews and nieces. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, ­­­­­­John Patrick and Sarah Lambers Earwood and his 5 brothers and sisters. Frank was born in Georgia, near Copperhill TN, on July 2, 1929, and has been a resident of Hampton, Virginia for over 65 years.

One of Frank's accomplishments of which he was most proud was earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Frank served a brief stint in the Army as a "young adult" during World War II. When he had free time Frank thoroughly enjoyed golfing and was so proud of the hole in one he made in 1997.  Frank golfed into his early 80's, when he left the sport to tend to his beloved Marie.

Frank selflessly ministered for over 60 years, even preaching one more time on Sunday, August 16 at Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital, one day before being discharged. Frank was an ordained minister at 19 years of age and was re-ordained by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1970. He was the founding pastor of Fordham Baptist and served locally as pastor at Phoebus Baptist, Buckroe, Hall Road, Riverdale, Bethany, Faith, Pine Chapel, and others. In his final days he made many phone calls checking on friends and church members who had lost loved ones.  He never stopped ministering. His favorite verse was "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'." (Hebrews 13:5)

Along with serving as pastor, Frank worked for Hampton Redevelopment and Housing for 21 years, retiring as Manager/Coordinator of Elderly Housing, Programs and Services in 1991.

The family appreciates all the family and friends who have prayed, visited, and offered support. The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to Dr. Scott Krueger from Virginia Oncology, Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital, Sentara Williamsburg Home Health, Heartland Hospice, hospice nurses LaDonn and Jennifer, private care givers, Laura Hargrave, Niki Miles and Cindy Rowe, and R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.  Each of you went above and beyond and played an important part in Frank's care.  You became family and lovingly walked with us through difficult stages.  Frank's life and ours were enriched through meeting and working with each of you. God truly hand-picked each of you and placed you in our lives "for such a time as this."

Due to COVID 19 safety precautions, the family will not have a visitation time, but viewing is available from 10 a.m through 5 p.m. on Friday, October 2 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave. in Hampton.  The Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at Buckroe Baptist Church, 1819 N. Mallory St. Hampton, VA. at 11:00 on October 3.   To view the Homegoing live online, please CLICK HERE after 10:55 AM Saturday.  An Internment Service will be held on Sunday, October 4 at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 757-723-3191, www.rhaydensmith.com