He was a one-of-a-kind husband, father, papaw, father-in-law and brother.
He attended Bradley Central High School, Southwest Texas Junior College, the University of South Carolina and Cleveland State Community College, where he received his associate’s degrees in education and criminal justice.
He was retired Air Force, where he proudly served more than 20 years and received many medals to include the Presidential Unit Citation, AF Commendation, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct, Army Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service Medal, Longevity Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the USAF Enlisted Air Crew Badge.
He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner.
He attended First Baptist Church.
He was a Little League coach and umpire at Hopewell for several years.
His hobbies included golfing, woodworking, camping, traveling, UT football and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Percy B. Eaves; brothers: C.W. Christian, Johnny Christian and Manley Christian; sisters: Doris Hughes, Laura Sue Mooreland, Almeta Worthington and Louella Dickson; and a great-grandson, Jayden Eaves.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Delores A. Eaves; son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Sybil Eaves of Chatsworth, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Tracy Hixson of Camas, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Kathy Eaves of Cleveland; and daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Kenny Cain of Cleveland; four granddaughters: Ali Hixson, Brittany Eaves, Madie Cain and Rylee Cain; four grandsons: Percy Eaves III, Joseph Hixson, Tyler Hixson, and Harley Eaves; two great-granddaughters: Trinity Eaves and Kinzie Eaves; two great-grandsons: Anthonee Hixson and Jeremija Hixson; sister, Flossie Dover of Warner Robbins, Ga.; several nieces and nephews; and three special friends: Ben Anderson, Stephanie Baker and Darlene Johansen.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with a Masonic service and Celebration of Life to follow at 7p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Joel Jenkins and Ben Anderson.
Inurnment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors, Friday at 11:30 a.m.
The family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Eaves family guest book at www.grissomfh.net.
