Thomas E. Stearns, Jr. | Eastern NC Now

Born: November 27, 1932, Died: November 12, 2016

    Mr. Thomas Edward Stearns, Jr., age 83, a resident of 629 Blackbeard's View, Bath, died Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Golden Living Center in Greenville.

    The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Mr. Stearns' home followed by a visitation from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tuesday evening at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington.

    Mr. Stearns was born in Portsmouth, VA on November 27, 1932. He was the son of the late Thomas Edward Stearns, Sr. and Madeline Hesketh Stearns. Mr. Stearns served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne. He went to the University of Richmond where he played football for the Richmond Spiders. Mr. Stearns was a retired teacher, coach and guidance counselor at Washington (N.C.) High School. "Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ, for our father's dedicated Christian life as a husband, father, and mentor." In his spare time, Mr. Stearns loved golfing, playing tennis, traveling and fishing.

    On April 2, 1955, Mr. Stearns married Betsy Anne Dixon, who preceded him in death, August 14, 2014.

    Mr. Stearns is survived by his children, Barry Stearns of Greenville, Kevin Stearns and his wife, Emiley of Bath, and Kyle Stearns of Charlotte.

    In addition to his parents and his wife. Mr. Stearns was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Virginia Stearns.

    The family would like to thank Mr. Stearns' caregiver, Beverly Crites, for her care and compassion.

    Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE First Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or the Alzheimer's Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, N.C. 27612.

    Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Stearns family.