Vincent Lowell Earley

Vincent Lowell Earley, passed away unexpectedly and went on to his eternal reward on July 20, 2022. Vincent was born on November 26, 1946 in Prince Edward County, Virginia, the youngest son of the late Lawrence Emerson Earley and Susie Lyle Earley.

Vincent graduated from Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, VA in 1968, having earlier lost four years of formal education due to Prince Edward County’s closure of its public schools as part of its “massive resistance” to integration, resolved only by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1964 decision in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County.
Shortly after graduation from high school, Vincent was drafted and proudly served his country with distinction as a SP/4 in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On June 5, 1969 in Hue, Vietnam, Vincent was wounded in battle and suffered nearly life-ending injuries. As a symbol of his courage and dedication in the face of mortal danger, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Vincent was a lifetime member of VFW, post 7059. He was the epitome of sacrifice and toughness, but he never considered himself a hero. He reserved that label for others, including those who lost their lives in battle.

In 1971, Vincent married his high school sweetheart Shirley Nunnally. He was first and foremost a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a kind man and exuded a low key, quiet strength that commanded respect. He set a positive example for his entire extended family, though he was especially committed to his children LaTreasa, Keita and Christopher, his grandchildren Markus, Michael and Jayden, and his great-granddaughter A’Mhari. He was dearly loved by them and he greatly enjoyed spending time with them and his large extended family. When asked how they would describe Vincent, his family said “it builds character” and “always willing,” given his tireless commitment to them.
Vincent was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. He was a member of the choir for several years and has served as a dedicated trustee until he was called home. Vincent took his responsibilities as a steward of the church very seriously, always going above and beyond. Whether it was filling the baptismal pool, placing America flags at the cemetery for Veterans on Memorial and Veteran’s Day, cutting grass, parking cars, driving the church van, his commitment was bottomless. Though he didn’t seek it, he received many accolades for his dedication - both privately and publically.

Vincent was a gentle soul with a great sense of humor. In addition to being deeply loved by family, Vincent was well-liked and respected in the community. He often donated his time and energy to community activities, including chaperoning ski trips with the elementary school principal and serving as Webelos leader for several years. Whenever someone in the community needed help or something at the church needed repair, Vincent was called, sometimes getting calls before daybreak. The scriptures encourage us to become like Jesus Christ and “to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). Vincent was a perfect example of someone who walked in the footsteps of Christ.

Vincent was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Emerson and Susie Lyle; brothers, Lawrence (Jake), Joseph (Joe), Phillip Truman; sister, Bertha Earley Shepperson; sisters-in-law, Deloris Early and Mattie “Marie“ Nunnally; brothers –in-law, Vance and Robert Nunnally; and nephews, Phillip, Brian and Louis Kaunda.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Shirley; children, LaTreasa (Jerry) Woodson, Keita Seward and Christopher; grandchildren, Markus and Michael Seward and Jayden Woodson; great-grandchild, A’Mhari Seward; brothers, John (Marlene), Frank (Barbara); his sisters, Deloris and Carolyn (Archie); brothers-in- law, Roy, Melvin and Charles (Vivian) Nunnally; sisters–in-law, Harriet Fentress, Josephine Earley, Annie Nunnally, and Mary Nunnally; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins; and devoted friend, Floyd Gibson.