George Merrill Eason, Sr, 88, of Smithfield, VA passed away on Friday April 7, 2023.

He was the son of the late Otis Merrill Eason and Martha Penelope Pearce Eason. Mr. Eason is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jessie Spivey Eason; daughters, Tammy Shenk (Dale) and Pamela Buskee; son, George Merrill Eason, Jr (Patricia); grandchildren, Michael Shenk (Meagan), Joshua Eason (Brittany), Jordan Eason (Leticia) and Jessica Taylor (Nicholas); great grandchildren, Zander, Cole, Bryan, Landon, Jake, Gus and Salem; and a brother, Donald Eason (Annette).

Mr. Eason was a member of Benns United Methodist Church, a member of Smithfield Union #18 Masonic Lodge and the Khedive Shrine. He was past Potentate of Khedive Shrine in 1988 and past President of Mid Atlantic Shrine in 1998. He enjoyed spending time at the Outer Banks being surrounded by his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 11 a.m. in Benns United Methodist Church with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private in Albert G Horton Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6 to 7 at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Khedive Shrine, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.