KILL DEVIL HILLS –Ernest M. East, Jr. died in Kill Devil Hills, NC after a long illness Saturday July 17, 2021. “Pete” as he was best known, was born September 19,1928 in Waynesboro, VA. He was the son of Ernest M. East, Sr. and Mary Beulah Obaugh East – both deceased and the brother of the late Nancy East Etter of Waynesboro.
Pete was educated in Waynesboro and attended National Business College in Roanoke, VA. While serving active duty with the US Navy, he married Betty Joe Murray, September 8, 1951 of Covington, VA. After 70 years of marriage, Betty “BJ” East survives him.
Pete spent a number of years in the automobile business in Waynesboro and retired from the sales staff of Baugher Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. He also was a life member, past master and treasurer of Lee Lodge #209; a life member of the BPOE 2270, and an active member of the American Legion Post 340 of Waynesboro.
Pete was truly at his best while serving others. He was a dedicated member of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, The Nags Head Surf Casting Club, The Outer Banks Anglers Club; a past member and board member of the First Flight Lions Club, a past board member of the Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Fishing Tournament, and Pete served on the Board of Directors or McDow Funeral Home. Pete was also a proud 32nd degree Mason with membership in the Scottish Rite Consistory of Freemasonry in Lynchburg, VA and a devoted member of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church in Kitty Hawk, NC.
In addition to his wife, BJ of Kill Devil Hills- Pete leaves two sons, Dale Roy East (Di) of Eagle Rock, VA and Torrey Luck East (Trish) of Waynesboro, VA; three grandchildren; one great-grandson, one great-granddaughter and countless friends.
As he requested, there will be no services. After military honors, members of the Outer Banks Anglers Club and the family will commit Pete’s ashes to the Atlantic Ocean. Pete requested that donations in his memory be directed to the CARE Ministry c/o KHUMC 803 Kitty Hawk Road Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.
Expressions of sympathy and comfort to the East family are welcome via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
