VARINA—Earl Carlton Koontz died on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; his son, Dr. Gregory Koontz and his wife, Naomi, of Franklin; his son, Benjamin Koontz of Gordonsville; his daughter, Kristin, and her husband, Dr. Robert Garrett, of Boonsboro, Md.; his sister, Sarah Mauser, and her husband, Bob, of Hickory, N.C.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his son, Thane.

Earl was born in North Carolina on April 2, 1934. He graduated from Duke University’s School of Engineering, and worked as a mechanical engineer for Western Electric (AT&T) for 26 years.

He was an avid sailor, wood craftsman, hay farmer, viticulturist, problem-solver and raconteur. No task was too great for Earl to conquer.

Friends may offer condolences to his family at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 18.

The service to celebrate Earl’s life will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.