Birth Date: 12/07/1957
Deceased Date: 11/09/2019
Smithfield- John Franklin Earp, Jr., age 61, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at his home in Smithfield following a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Mr. Earp was born in Johnston County on December 7, 1957 to John Earp Sr. and Ann Peele Earp, and was preceded in death by his father.
Mr. Earp retired from CSX Transportation, working in various capacities in track engineering along the East Coast over his 38-year career. Mr. Earp was also an avid hunter, and belonged to the Triple E and Long Bluff Hunting Clubs. He enjoyed breeding and showing bluetick coonhounds for many years, traveling around the country with his dogs to events with Bluetick Breeders of America, UKC and AKC. After many years of success in breeding and showing bluetick coonhounds, winning numerous national awards, he transitioned to working with beagles. He loved to spend time with his dogs, including training and participating in field trials, and hanging out with his friends at the rabbit pen.
Mr. Earp is survived by mother, Ann Peele Earp of Selma; his wife of 41 years, Pamela Johnson Earp of the home; daughter Heather Earp of Smithfield; son Jonathan Earp and wife Cassie of Smithfield; brothers, Tim Earp and wife Rose of Micro, Chris Earp and wife Chris of Sims; sister Annette Matthews and husband Robbie of Cleveland, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 2pm. The family will receive visitors on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 6-8 pm at Parrish Funeral Home. Although flowers are welcome, the family requests donations in John’s memory to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 3624, Durham NC 27710.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at Parrishfh.com
