James Lee Eason, 78, died May 23, 2003 at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

Born in Gatesville, N.C., he was a son of the late Hubert and Lucille Blanchard Eason, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific theatre, and retired from Union Camp Corporation after 40 years of service as a fire controlman.

Mr. Eason was a charter member of the South Quay/Holy Neck Ruritan Club and was an active member of the South Quay Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, member of the Adult Bible Study Class and served on numerous committees.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Myrtle Gardner Eason; a son, Hubert Grady Eason and his wife, Robin, of Courtland; a grandson, Grady Bryant Eason; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Hayes Eason and Hubert T. Eason.

A funeral will be held at South Quay Baptist Church at 11 on Monday, with the Rev. Tom Holland and the Rev. Louis Venable officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, and suggest that memorials be made to South Quay Baptist Church, 9617 South Quay Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.