Kenneth Fay Earls

Kenneth Fay "Footsie" Earls, age 84, of the Earls Branch section of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 in a Tazewell, Virginia hospital. He was born in Finney, Virginia and was the son of the late Joseph William Earls and Aily Sutherland Earls. Ken was a lifelong resident of the area and retired from GTE after 30+ years of service. He was a graduate of Richlands High School Class of 1959 and was a faithful member of the Cliffield Christian Church Ken was a man whose life was marked by service, song, and simple joys. A devoted lover of gospel hymns, he regularly opened his home to friends and family for his beloved “singings,” filling the room with music, fellowship, and laughter. Known for his quick wit and gentle humor, Ken had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease. A true jack of all trades, Ken could fix, build, or mend just about anything, and he generously used his skills to help family, friends, and neighbors whenever there was a need. He held a lifelong love of baseball—first as a player and later as a faithful fan watching from home. Ken also enjoyed searching flea markets and auctions for his many “treasures,” each with a story or purpose only he could see. He will be remembered for his giving heart, his love of music and baseball, and the humor and kindness he shared so freely with all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma Blevins Earls; his second wife, Karen Johnson Earls; sisters, Virginia Carner, Peggy Sayers, Mary White; brothers, Joe Earls, Jr. and Dudley Earls. Survivors are: His Son: Brian Earls of Pounding Mill, Virginia Sister: Nancy Colley of Bluefield, Virginia Brother: Tommy Earls and wife, Jean of Azle, Texas Granddaughter: Ailey Earls Great-Granddaughter: Adeline Earls Many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends also survive. Memorial services for Kenneth Fay Earls will be conducted Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2pm at the Cliffield Christian Church with the Rev. Nathan Thomas and Bobby White officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1pm until 2pm on Saturday prior to the service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Kenneth Fay Earls

August 22, 1941 - January 8, 2026