December 24, 2023, 70, La Grange —

December 15, 1953 – December 24, 2023

Arthur Harvey “Big Time” Eakes, Jr., 70, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Arthur was born in Lenoir County to the late Arthur Harvey Eakes, Sr. and Ethel Rouse Eakes on December 15, 2023. In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his brother, William “Buddy Roe” Eakes; and special friends, Mickey Grant and Pat Thompson.

Graduating with the class of 1972 from North Lenoir High School, Arthur went on to work for Texifi and later moved to Wilmington. When his mother’s health began to decline, he returned home to care for her until her death.

Surrounded by his extended Rouse family, there was nothing better to Arthur than life on the farm. Taking care of the turkey houses was first on his list every morning and last on his list before bed. He was dependable as the day was long, and loved every minute of his work.

Over the past thirteen years, Arthur was a true God-send for his family, especially for his cousin, Wayne. Where Wayne had difficulty with vision problems, Arthur stepped in and made sure that Wayne got where he needed to be. Traveling from farm to farm, sale to sale, and everywhere in between, you hardly ever saw one without the other. Arthur was more than a coworker; he was family, and he was a friend.

Though Arthur never married, his relationships with his extended family were tight and sincere. He had a great love and special bond with all children. They instantly gravitated to Arthur, and would often run up to him to be embraced in his arms as they yelled, “Big Time!” He loved with his whole heart, and those he loved returned that same affection in abundance. He never met a stranger, and his generosity towards others knew no bounds.

Arthur was always cutting up, making you laugh, and enjoying every moment in life. From the mundane to the extraordinary, Arthur was determined to have a big time. The family is comforted in knowing that Big Time is still having a “Big Time”, only now he is enjoying it in Heaven with Jesus and those who have gone on before him.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.

Arthur is survived by his uncle and aunt, Donald and Shirley Rouse; cousins, Wayne and Deborah, Allyson and Joe, Gail, Tim and Stephanie, Sherry and J.R., Rhonda and Gus, Frankie, Tony and Kathy, Dennis and Yvonne, Rickey and Rose, Emmette and Cindy, Loretta and Mack, Fredrick, and Ashley and Kim; and special friends, Charlie Yarbrough, R.B. Ham, Christine Bancroft, and Ray Crumpler.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.