FRANKLIN — John Thomas Eason Sr., 74, went to be with his Lord in Heaven on Oct. 24, 2015, after a two-year battle with cancer. John passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side. John was born in Edenton, North Carolina, a son of the late Otis Merrill Eason and Martha Pearle Pierce Eason, and was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Lisa Eason; a sister, Mary Holland; and a brother, Carl Ray Eason.

He was a construction safety inspector for the U.S. Navy and retired after 37 years of service. John then worked for URS Corporation for 17 years. He was an active member of Black Creek Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, usher and on the building and grounds committee.

Left to cherish his memory are his bride of 56 years, Betty Jean Denson Eason; three daughters, Terry Eason Umberger (Tim) of Suffolk, Patricia Eason Daniel (Chris) of Driver and Wanda Eason Reed (Wayne) of Charlottesville; one son, John Thomas Eason Jr. (Michelle) of Herndon; two brothers, George Eason (Jessie) of Smithfield and Don Eason (Annette) of Jacksonville, Florida; nine grandchildren, Kim Ward (Vernon), Timothy Eason, Brittany McClendon (Rob), Dustin Umberger, Brandon Umberger, Mackenzie Daniel, Chad Daniel, Bowen Reed and Delaney Reed; four great-grandchildren, Maddox Ward, Braelyn Ward, Emma Mae McClendon and Aiden McClendon.

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Black Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Greg Kitts officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be on Monday, Oct. 26, from 6-7 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Black Creek Baptist Church or to the American Cancer Society.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.