Our Founders
Edwin Hamilton Easley
1866 – 1949
Source: Obituary in Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Editor's Note: Mr. Easley was related to several current members of Bluefield Rotary: He was the uncle of Tyler Easley, the great-uncle of Becky (Easley) Beckett, the maternal grandfather of Scott Shott, and the maternal great-grandfather of James H. Shott and John H. Shott.
One
of Bluefield’s most widely known citizens, Edwin Hamilton Easley, died at the
age of 83 yesterday morning [Jan 14, 1949] at 11:25 o'clock in St. Luke's
Hospital where he had been a patient there for several weeks. Death was due to
bronchial pneumonia.
Mr. Easley was born in Richmond, VA the son of Dr. William D. Easley and Mrs. Elizabeth Chafin Easley. He came to Bluefield 46 years ago and engaged in the insurance business, which he has followed throughout the years he has been a resident of this city. For all those years he had been prominently identified in the insurance business. And also in real estate in Bluefield.
Mr. Easley organized and headed the company which built the Law and Commerce building, and had been manager of the building since it was built.
When he first came to Bluefield Mr. Easley was associated with Flat Top Insurance Company, but later he organized his own company.
He was also prominent in Masonic circles and was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner and a "Fifty Year" Mason. He also was a life member of the Elks lodge and was a charter member of the Bluefield Rotary club. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Surviving him, besides his wife, who is the former Miss Katherine Hanes of Richmond, are one son William D. Easley of Bluefield, and a daughter, Mrs. Jim H. Shott of this city. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Agnes E. West of Richmond and Mrs. Joseph C. Eggleston of Amelia Courthouse, Va., and by numerous grandchildren. Mr. Easley was a cousin of Frank H. Easley and of Judge D. M. Easley, both of Bluefield.
The funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock .at Hawkins chapel. Dr. Harmon B. Ramsey, pastor of First Presbyterian church, assisted by Dr. J. W. Hobson, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, will be in charge. Burial will be in Monte Vista Cemetery, with the Masonic Lodge holding Services at the grave. Pallbearers will be members of the Masonic organization.
The family requests that flowers be omitted.