Obituary: Robert Earl Everett

Kinston-Robert Earl Everett, 40, left a void in the hearts of many as he departed this life for life eternal on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Robert Earl was born in Lenoir County to the Lynwood Earl Everett and Teresa Hall Tyndall on July 15, 1983.

As a young child, Robert Earl advanced through the Boy Scout program, took Karate lessons, played T-Ball and Basketball, and although against his will, he also suffered through cotillion. Graduating from Bethel Christian Academy, he earned the award of Bethel Trojan of the Year, an award granted to only one student per year.

Entrenched in farm life from his birth, farming was more than a profession for Robert Earl. It was his hobby, his passion, and his joy. Hardworking and devoted to his job, there was nothing he’d rather be doing. He took pride in his work, from planting crops to curing tobacco, and wanted everything to be done to the best of his ability. As an accolade of his devotion to quality farming, Robert Earl won the Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year award.

Growing up at Wheat Swamp Christian Church, Robert Earl’s church family was an extension of his own. He always looked forward to volunteering as a cook for the church harvest festival, and in recent years was deeply involved in nearly every aspect of the church. Attending the weekly Bible study, Sunday School and worship services, and singing in the choir were commitments that Robert Earl held strongly. His commitment to the church was one way in which he showed his love for the Lord and his gratefulness for all of his blessings.

Kind-hearted and caring, Robert Earl was a gentle giant that would do anything for anyone in need. An old soul, he believed in simplicity and lived life humbly. A man of his word, you could trust that he said what he believed, believed what he said, and did what he said he would do.

Meeting his wife, Ashley, on a blind date in July 2007, Robert Earl knew from the first date that she was the one for him. Recognizing that they had both found the perfect match, they were soon engaged on December 22, 2007 and married on November 15, 2008. Robert Earl was a wonderful husband and provider, always good to Ashley, and easy to love. They enjoyed regular vacations to Myrtle Beach where they would celebrate Ashley’s birthday and their wedding anniversary each year.

Growing their family with the birth of their son, Isaac, on December 22, 2009, Isaac and Robert Earl shared many commonalities. With a love of video games, the two would spend countless hours together with controls in hand. Robert Earl attended all of Isaac’s football games and was honored that they shared the number 55, which was Robert Earl’s number when he played basketball at Bethel.

The birth of their daughter, Emily, brought in a new love like Robert Earl had never experienced. A true daddy’s girl, she was the apple of his eye, known affectionately to him as his “pumpkin”. Always present in the lives of his children, Robert Earl attended every game, dance recital, awards ceremony, and anything else in which they were involved. When Ashley or the children were home, he took every opportunity to be with them. He would always stop by the house to check in, and he loved for them to climb into the 18-wheeler to go with him to the mill to carry a load of corn, beans, or wheat.

A service of love and remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Wheat Swamp Christian Church with Pastor Hank Jarman officiating. Committal will follow at Westview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.

Robert Earl is survived by his wife, Ashley Gower Everett; children, Isaac Earl Everett and Emily Grace Everett; parents, Lynwood Earl Everett and Teresa Tyndall (Gene); sister, Kimberly Everett (Michael) and nephew, Chandler; paternal grandmother, Patricia Everett; father- and mother-in-law, Steve and Susan Gower; sister-in-law, Whitney Gower Clayton (Richie); aunts, Debbie Everett and Lori Everett; special friends, J.E. Harrell, Jamie “Tick” Daughety, Frank Wilson, Shelton Rhodes, and Jeffery Barnett; and his faithful family dog, Colt.

Robert Earl was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George Earl Everett; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth Hall.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Wheat Swamp Christian Church, 3732 Wheat Swamp Road, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.