Henry Samuel Earl Jr.

Henry Samuel “Sam” Earl Jr., 92, passed away peacefully in his home on January 19, 2023. Sam loved life, but he loved Joan, his bride of almost 70 years, more. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father, father-in-law, and grandfather. In addition to Joan, he leaves behind 2 children, Henry Samuel Earl III and his wife Cynthia of Newport News, VA and Sherrie Earl Bartku and her husband Jon of Chesapeake, VA, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Henry Samuel Earl IV and his wife Heather and their daughters Annabelle and Amelia of Richmond, VA; James Michael Earl and his wife Errin of Queens NY and Elaine Bartku Thurman and her husband Thomas and their son Aubrey of Hardy, VA. Sam was born and educated in Newport News, VA and attended VA TECH and UVA. He worked at NASA as an engineer for 35 years, retiring in 1985. and then turned his passion for restoring antique clocks and furniture into a second vocation. He and Joan lived in and renovated a 200-year-old house in Smithfield, VA, which they enjoyed for 40 years. He and Joan were also partners with 2 other couples owning and operating the Isle of Wight Inn in Smithfield for several years. Sam also enjoyed sailing, painting, woodcarving, woodworking, flying model aircraft, camping and traveling. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many, and was known as “Mr. Fix it”, inventor, mechanical wizard, “man of steel”, “Tic-toc Doc”, and “Energizer Bunny”. He was extremely thrifty and referred to himself as “the original energy mizer”. Sam loved to joke around and socialize, which endeared him to everyone he met. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 4, 2023 at New Creation United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, VA at 2 pm, with visitation the hour before. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Virginia Chapter or Virginia State Parks. Thank you to Suncrest Hospice, especially Shelly, Beth and Crystal and the staff of Harmony House of Harbour View Assisted Living for all of their care, love and compassion.