Heaven has a new Angel, and earth has lost a Saint!
Carol Hudson Eure, Sr., 85, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, October 10, 2011, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Mr. Eure was extremely active in his church, First Presbyterian, and a strong community supporter. He, along with his dear friend, John Melvin, organized, led and taught The Strugglers Sunday School Class for 35 years. He was still a member at his passing and John still teaches. He was a member of the Chancel Choir and the Primetime Singers at First Presbyterian, where he loved communing with his many friends.
He was born in Tunis, North Carolina to Opal and Claude Eure. He joined the Navy when he was 15 years old, with his mother's signature, and served in the Pacific during World War II.
The Eure family came to Gainesville in 1967 when Carol was chosen to be the opening manager of the new Belk store at Sherwood Plaza. He also opened and was the general manager of the current Lakeshore Belk store when the mall was originally built. He was a member of Rotary, serving as president both in Hartwell, Georgia and in Gainesville. He served on the boards of many organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Brenau University, Wachovia Bank, Gainesville City Schools, among others. He was a member of the Sportsman's Club, United Way, NEGMC Advisory Board, and was a volunteer for the North Georgia Community Foundation. Carol and his wife Liz were chosen as Gainesville Rotary's Man and Woman of the Year in 1981. He was instrumental in bringing the Young Life ministry to Gainesville.
He married the former Mary Elizabeth Wolfe in 1948 and they proceeded to raise six children and were foster parents to approximately 100 children.
Mr. Eure was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Wolfe Eure; one grandson, Steven Jay Buffington, and four sisters.
He is survived by children: Daughter and Son-in-law Jamie Eure and Harold Buffington of Franklin, NC; Daughter Abbie Eure Joy; Daughter and Son-in-law Stevie Eure and Rives Doss; Son Carol Hudson (Chip) Eure, Jr.; Daughter and Son-in-law Lee Ellen Eure and Tim King, all of Gainesville; Daughter and Son-in-law LeeAnn Eure and Patrick DeCastro of Mooresville, NC; 16 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren; Sister, Margie Futrell of Carrollton, TX., and Brother, Pete Eure of Winterville, NC.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 14 and 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, Ga., followed by a reception in Sweetenburg Hall.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home 355 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements.
