Samuel Elbert Eanes

Samuel Elbert Eanes, Sr., 84, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025. He was born on December 10, 1940, to the late Floyd Glyn Eanes and Francis Roena Rigney Eanes. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Cynthia Eanes Gray; and brothers Glyn Eanes and Lewis Eanes.

A devoted husband and father, Samuel married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca, December 20, 1959. The two remained together and very much in love for 65 years, until his passing. Sam had many interests and hobbies, including astronomy, auto racing, computers and music, particularly bluegrass. Blessed with a remarkably sharp wit, Sam was always quick to crack a joke and flash a smile. Sam also had an insatiable sweet tooth, and particularly loved anything scratch-made by Rebecca, and he never missed an opportunity to take a good nap.

Aside from his family, perhaps his greatest passion was genealogy. Sam spent countless hours tracing his and Rebecca’s families’ lineages, and he published a book on Rebecca’s family history. In 1998, Sam’s passion and profession intersected when he accepted a job at the Bassett Historical Center, where he worked for 25 years. Prior to that, Sam spent 30 years working at DuPont as a Millwright and later in Electronics and Instrumentation.

Sam is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rebecca; daughters, Wanda Fallin; Lori Jones (Ronnie); son, Samuel Eanes Jr. (Chelcee); sisters, Kathy Eanes and Patty Eanes; brother, Larry Eanes; grandchildren, William Fallin, Benjamin Fallin, Philip Rorrer, Matthew Rorrer, Jeremy Jones, and Jude Eanes; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will welcome visitors Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Norris Funeral Services Martinsville Chapel. A celebration of Sam’s life will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Glen Stinnett. The burial will be private.

Flowers are appreciated, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam’s name to the Bassett Historical Center or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Norris Funeral Services is handling the arrangements for the Eanes family. Online condolences can be made at norrisfuneral.com