December 24, 2022, 77, Goldsboro –

James Earl Cruse, 77, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at UNC Health Rex in Raleigh. Born in Wayne County on December 6, 1945, he was the son of the late Milton James and Grace Gainey Cruse.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Toler Cruse, and brothers, Kenneth Everett Cruse and David Ray Cruse.

Earl is survived by his son, James Joseph Cruse; stepson, Timothy Franklin Hartley and his wife, JoungAe; grandsons, William Andrew Cruse and Nathan Alexander Cruse; aunts, Evelyn Ham, Jessie Combs, and Dot Sutton; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Earl retired from R.A. Jeffreys after thirty-eight years of service working as a driver and in sales. His outgoing personality afforded him many friends over the years, Earl never met a stranger.

Earl was a dedicated and faithful member of the United In Christ Church. He served in many capacities at the church and was always there to lend a hand in the church fundraisers from setting up to cooking, he was there to serve.

A service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at United In Christ Church with Rev. Ryan Arp and Rev. Ira Williford officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. during the hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. The interment will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Wayne Memorial Park.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.