WILMINGTON — Mr. Claudius A. Eason, 82, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 24, 2018, at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Eason of the home; children, Dennis Eason, and his wife, Candace, of Currie, Teresa Hamilton, and her husband, Gene, of Wilmington and Kim Gregory, and her husband, Marcus, of Wilmington; siblings, Donald Eason, and his wife, Debbie, of Clinton and Betty Novak, and her husband, Joe, of Wilmington; five grandchildren, Travis, Jason, and his wife, Robyn, Russell, and his wife, Kelly, Claudia and Michael; five great-grandchildren, Aleah, Jordan, Kyleigh, Nathan and Kennedie. He was preceded in death by his father, Odell Eason, and mother, Nora Eason, of Warsaw; and siblings, Patricia Ivey and Frances Murray, both of Wilmington.
Claudius was born Nov. 4, 1935, in Warsaw to Odell and Nora Eason. He married Jean Ezzell, his sweetheart, on July 4, 1954. He moved to Wilmington in 1951, where he worked many different trades to make a living. He later found his calling at Standard Glass Company, where he spent 31 years as a glazier mechanic. He was also a proud and accomplished carpenter, painter and roofer.
Claudius volunteered with New Life Prison Ministries for many years witnessing to thousands of inmates about God and giving testimonies about his life. He was the president of the Rescue Mission of Cape Fear for many years doing the same for the men there and helping them find their way back into mainstream life. He was a lay leader at church for many years helping out locally and out of town whenever called upon. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Wilmington, where he served in the Men’s Club, as a Sunday school teacher and proud member of the choir.
Claudius was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather (Popa) and great-grandfather. He was a generous, loving man who loved his family and God. He would not hesitate to stop and tell someone about the Lord and what the Lord could do for them. Claudius would stop everything and pray anytime anyone needed prayer. He always believed he had a “direct line to God.” He loved to sing and clap and he also loved to “dance a jig” when he heard a good song. Claudius was always known as one who loved to laugh and talk. He loved to talk!
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, with a service following at 11 a.m. at the chapel. His brother-in-law, the Rev. Jerry Ezzell, will officiate the ceremony. He will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park following the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Claudius’ life. The family would like to express how thankful they are for God blessing him with the wonderful care all these years from Dr. James McCabe.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at coblewardsmtihwilmington.com.
