The Lord called Richard Arlow Eaton, 84, of Salisbury, MD to his Heavenly home on Sunday morning, November 23, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised on a small farm in Broadway, VA on September 9, 1930, he was the son of the late William C. Eaton and Edna Neff Eaton. On December 31, 1977, Richard married his best friend and the love of his life, Nancy. They were married in Bridgewater, VA, by a friend, Rev. John Sayre. Next month on New Year’s Eve, Richard and Nancy would have celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Melody Eaton Dellinger and her husband, Rick, of Broadway, Melissa Eaton Judy of Ocean Pines, MD and Jennifer Rebecca Eaton Wallace and her husband, Major Will Wallace, stationed in Ramstein, Germany. Richard was also the very proud grandfather of very special twin granddaughters, Ava Elizabeth and Abigail Elise Wallace, also of Ramstein, Germany. He is also survived by his sister, Vivian Eaton Harrison of Broadway. In addition, he is survived by special nieces, Christine Harrison Bradshaw and her husband, Steve, Pricilla Pence and Gail Lohr. Special nephews include, Buddy Harrison and his wife, Sue; Bobby Harrison and his wife, Mary Ellen; Wayne Harrison; John Lohr and his wife, Jean; Jerry Pence and his wife, Theresa, and Frank Sorrells and his wife, Paula. He is also survived by a special family friend, Susan Dickerson of Salisbury. In addition to his parents, Richard was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Eaton Pence and Mildred Eaton Lohr, and a special nephew, Charles Lohr. Richard was an icon in the poultry industry for almost 52 years. His career began at M.C. Showalter in 1949 in Broadway, VA where he worked as a billing clerk, an independent feed dealer, selling feed, and contracting broilers and turkeys in the Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia. He also worked in poultry sales and service. In November of 1952 he was called to proudly serve our country in the United States Army. He completed U.S. Army Leadership School with a superior rating and was part of the 42nd Tank Battalion at Camp Breckinridge, KY. He then became acting post Sergeant Major at Fort Campbell, KY. During his years of military service, Richard received many awards and honors including a Commendation medal. He received an honorable discharge in November 1954. Richard was also proud to be a member of the American Legion. After completing his military service, he returned to Broadway and resumed his job at M.C. Showwalter Company, Inc. In 1956 the company was purchased by Beacon Milling Company. Richard continued working in the same position where he was responsible for all accounting functions and arranging credit for live poultry buyers, processors, and independent feed customers. The company eventually merged into a Food Division that became a part of Caroline Foods, Division of Textron, Inc. There, he became Grow-Out Manager and additional responsibilities included broilers, turkey production, and live haul. Later, Long Foods was purchased by Holly Farms Poultry Industries, Inc. in New Market, VA. Richard’s added responsibilities included the hatchery and feed mill. In 1978, he was transferred to the Holly Farms Division in Snow Hill, MD where he was Live Production Manager. His responsibilities included breeders (company operated), broilers, hatchery, feed mill, service center, grain operation and live haul. Later, he was employed with Perdue Farms where he was Live Production Manager. In 1985, he was employed as District Manager with Chore-Time Equipment Company based in Milford, IN. Richard served Delmarva, the Shenandoah Valley of VA, PA, NY and four Canadian Provinces. He retired from Chore-Time in 2000. Over the years, Richard received many awards and recognitions from the poultry industry. Richard served as past Director of the Virginia Poultry Federation, past Chairman of the Broiler Education Committee of the Virginia Poultry Federation, past Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Committee of the Virginia Poultry Federation, past President of the Rockingham Poultry Serviceman’s Organization and a Director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry. In 1976, Richard was honored by the Virginia Poultry Federation with a special citation for his service to the industry. Richard also spoke at many poultry conferences in MD and VA. Richard was a proud graduate of Broadway High School, Class of 1948 and enjoyed class reunions with his family and friends. He was an avid Coca-Cola collector and a faithful Baltimore Orioles fan. Richard and Nancy loved to travel and enjoyed visiting many places, especially the Lancaster, PA area. His community activities included past President of the Broadway-Timberville Ruritan Club and past Director of the Broadway-Timberville Chamber of Commerce. While living in the Shenandoah Valley, Richard was an active member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Tenth Legion, VA, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and a deacon. He was also an active member of Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Salisbury, MD, where he served as a greeter. He also enjoyed being a part of Treasure Chest Ministries. There will be Celebrations of Richard’s Life, to be held in Salisbury, MD as well as in his hometown of Broadway, VA at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, 27765 Nanticoke Road, Salisbury, MD 21801, The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holloway Funeral Home, PA, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
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