Buck Early

Frank Long Early, Jr "Buck" (91), of Statesville, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 9, 2014. He was born on March 8, 1923 in Statesville, to the late Frank L. Early, Sr. and Alice Bilbie Early of Statesville. He graduated from Statesville High School in 1940. On April 16, 1948 he married Ruby McGuire Early, who proceeded him in death. In High School, Buck played baseball and basketball for the Greyhounds, and played the Sousaphone in the marching band, stemming a life long love for big band music. He earned his Eagle Scout award in 1939. After high school, he began working with his father at Hutton & Bourbonnais Company, and joined the N.C. State Guard from 1942-1943. Buck was a proud Veteran of WW II. On February 20, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He took his boot camp at Parris Island, SC. After graduation he went to Jacksonville, FL. where he graduated from Aviation Mechanic School as a Machinist Mate, and went on to become the crew chief for the F4U (Corsair Squadron) VMF 313, 3rd Marine Air Wing. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and the Sharpshooter award for Rifle and Pistol. During the war, Buck primarily served in the South Pacific, where his squadron was involved in four major campaigns. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Northern Solomans, Leyte, Mindanao, Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, Emirau Island, and Zamboanga. He was honorably discharged on December 7, 1945. After returning home from war, Buck re-joined his father in the operation of H & B Lumber Company, and took over as general manager in 1963. In 1968, he also became general manager of the parent company, Hutton & Bourbonnais of Hickory. He and his wife, Ruby, purchased the Statesville branch from the parent company in 1972. The company continues in operation today. Buck spent the most of his life helping the people of Statesville and Iredell County build and repair their homes and businesses. He took pride in watching Statesville grow from the small town of the 1940's to the city it is today, and the small part that he played in that growth and helping people with their jobs. He enjoyed the relationships that formed through the years with builders, homeowners, vendors, employees, and other building supply dealers; they were an important part of his life and gave him great pleasure. Buck was a lifelong sportsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting, and sharing that time with his son, grandson, and friends. He enjoyed going to auto races from the time of dirt tracks to the NASCAR races. At home, he enjoyed working on and showing his hit and miss engines, and he and his wife were fortunate to be able to travel extensively together. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter, and especially enjoyed watching their sporting events and cheering them on through the years. He was a lifelong member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, were he previously served as a Deacon. He was a member of Duck Creek Gun Club, a charter member of Det #1097 Iredell County Marine Corps League, Statesville Elks Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and the Confederate Air Force. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Citizens Savings and Loan. He is survived by two children, Buck Early of Troutman and Dodie Reavis of Statesville; three grandchildren, Andrea McNeely (Chad), Gray Reavis (Ashley), and Kelly Reavis, and one great granddaughter, River McNeely, all of Charlotte. The family would like to give special thanks to Amy, Renee, and all of the staff at Jurney's Assisted Living that have cared for Buck and made each day a little brighter and easier, as well as the friends that visited with him so regularly. The family will receive friends at Nicholson Funeral Home on Friday, April 11, from 6:00-7:30 pm. The service will be held at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W Broad St, on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. Jennifer Bingham and Rev. William Wease, officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Iredell County Marine Corps Detachment 1097 at the church and cemetery. Pallbearers: Dennis Clary, Locke Allison, Fred Harkey, Tommy Harkey, Dean Mills, and Charlie Aman. Honorary Pallbearers: Members of Duck Creek Gun Club and Marine Corps League # 1097 (will sit together) Memorials to: Duck Creek Gun Club, P.O. Box 89, Barium Springs, N.C. 28010 or to the Iredell County Marine Corps League Detachment 1097 PO BOX 727 Troutman, NC 28166 or to charity of choice. Online condolences may be made to the family www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Buck Early.