James Richard Eaves

James Richard Eaves was born on September 17, 1929 to the late Marie Eaves Johnson in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. At an early age, James Richard was a faithful member of Reeves Temple AME Zion Church in Davidson, NC where he served on the Steward Board. 

He met the love of his life, Mattie “Louise” Rivens Eaves, and they wedded on June 30, 1972.  Through this holy matrimony, his family grew as he became an instant father and grandfather.  He moved his membership to Hunters Chapel United Methodist Church in Cornelius, NC and served loyally on the Finance, Trustee, Usher Board and United Methodist Men Committees.

James Richard was educated in the Mecklenburg County School System prior to serving in the United States Army.  He was a proud Korean War Veteran, earning a prestigious Service Medal with two Bronze Stars in addition to a United Nations Service Medal. He took his civic duty (voting) very seriously.  Over his career span, he was a truck driver for Alexander Trucking, Voyager Trucking, Yellow Freight and ultimately retired from Foamex after 38 years. James Richard enjoyed listening to music, particularly The Violinaires gospel group and his favorite artist, The Temptations. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his crops, often leaving fresh vegetables on the doorsteps of family and friends.  He was a gentle giant whose kindness demonstrated that chivalry was not dead.

In addition to his mother, Marie Eaves Johnson, James Richard was preceded in death by his wife Mattie Rivens Eaves, sisters Varie Eaves Torrence and Bettie Johnson Ford, a special nephew, Harold S. Johnson as well as step-sons, Dale Pryor and James W. Pryor, Sr.

James Richard leaves to cherish his memory four love pillars, Reverend Rush Rivens (Linda), Anna Louise Gates (G.W.), Chancie Pryor, and Marilyn Pryor Stark; a special niece to whom he was a father figure, Vivian D. Conner, daughter-in-law Mary “Mae” Pryor, his special cousin, Willa Mae Eaves, numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, generations of great-grandchildren, loving relatives and friends.

In Lieu of flowers

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Hunters Chapel United Methodist Men

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