Van Taylor Eady peacefully passed away at home on July 18, 2022, at the age of 83. Friends and family are invited to honor his life at a visitation from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Riverwood Family Funeral Service on Wednesday, July 20^th. A graveside service will be held at Matthew’s Chapel Methodist Church where he was a faithful member.

Van Eady was born on April 20, 1939, in Smith County, Mississippi to James Benjamin Eady and Ruth Smith Eady. Born into a large and loving family, he is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, JB Eady and Lonnie Eady and survived by his brother, Liston Eady and sisters, Mattie Bassett and Zenobia Hallman and her husband, Ronnie.

Following his education, he made a career in the petroleum and transportation industries with decades of service at Railway Express Agency, Zapata Petroleum, Inc., and Walmart Distribution, respectively. Married in 1960, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Urline Smith Eady. Upon marrying Urline, he also became a beloved brother to her sister, Willene and husband, Larry, and their family also who survive him in death.

Van was the proud father of Melissa Eady Gatlin. He was a devoted “PawPaw” and will be missed by his granddaughter, Anna Gatlin Schilling and husband, Micah, and his grandson, William Gatlin – his favorite companion for fishing and watching Westerns- and wife, Ashlyn. In the last years of his life, he became a great-grandfather to Henry Harrison Schilling.

Van was known for his kind disposition and gentle nature. Soft spoken but quick-witted, he loved spending time with his family, a great meal, and a well-timed joke. Van was a loyal and dedicated husband and father who spent his last day in the company of his wife, daughter, and family. Amid a lengthy illness, he was unwavering in his faith and positive attitude. His family is grateful to Shasta Harris for her compassionate and attentive care. Van will be dearly missed and always remembered.

“His Lord said unto him, well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)