Jasper Eley
JACKSON, N.C.—Jasper Eley, 91, died Feb. 8, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Eley was born Nov. 16, 1917 in Southampton County, the son of the late John and Pauline Lankford Eley.
He was also predeceased by his brothers, John, Clyde and Herman Eley; and a sister, Elizabeth Eley.
He was owner and operator of Jasper Eley and Associates Surveying until his retirement in 2001.
He was also a forester for W.P. Morris Lumber Company. Mr. Eley was a member of Jackson United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and steward.
He was also a member of the Seaboard Masonic Lodge.
He was selected to the Personalities of the South in recognition of his achievements and outstanding service to his community.
He served as a Northampton County Commissioner for 30 years and was chairman of the Board of Commissioner for twenty years.
An annex to the Northampton County Court House was named in his honor. The Jasper Eley Annex was dedicated in 1994.
He served as a member of the National Guard for four years, a member of the Jackson Lions for twenty five years, a volunteer fireman, Chairman of the Northampton County Dept. of Social Services, President of the Northampton County Library Board and a Scout Master.
He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was very proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Survivors include his wife, Goldie Morris Eley; one son, William David Eley and his wife Dona of Juneau, Alaska; a daughter, Deborah Marie Eley Tunstall and her husband James Edward of Tampa, Fla.; and daughter Pauline Elizabeth Eley Williford and husband Michael of Zebulon, N.C.; five grandchildren, Maria Meads Eley McClane and husband Joshua; Elizabeth Helen Eley; Keaton Tunstall and wife Jacqueline; William Edward Tunstall; and Elizabeth Ann Williford; and one great-grandchild, Coco Reis Tunstall.
A service of thanksgiving and praise for the life of Jasper Eley will be held at 2 p.m. today at Jackson United Methodist Church, Jackson.
Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery with Masonic Rites.
The family will receive friends at the home following the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson United Methodist Church or to the Seaboard Masonic Lodge.
Arrangements are being handled by Massey Funeral Home in Jackson.