Obituary: H.Louie Eargle
H. Louie Eargle of Waxhaw and Kinston, NC, passed away September 1, 2024, in Chapel Hill of complications from a fall. He was 92 years old. Louie will be remembered as a loving uncle, an accomplished musician, raconteur, and loyal friend.
Born to the late Joseph Irvie and Ruth Burgess Eargle, Louie grew up in Waxhaw, the next-to-last of five siblings: Joe, Margaret, Burke, Haskell, Zane all predeceased him, as did his nephew, Zane, Jr. He is survived by several nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, and many cousins, all of whom Louie loved "better than Peter loved the Lord."
Louie's passion for music and the arts began in childhood and continued throughout his life. He graduated from High Point College with a Bachelor's degree in music, then went on scholarship to Ole Miss and earned a Master's in piano performance. In 1967, Louie moved to Kinston to teach music appreciation at Lenoir Community College, during which time he served on Kinston's Symphony Board and for a number of years sang in the Presbyterian Church choir. Louie loved classical music in particular, beginning each morning at the piano. His impromptu concerts at gatherings for family and friends will sorely be missed.
Louie lived a full life, especially enjoying his retirement. He traveled each October to Maine to hike in the Acadia National Park, and to Spoleto USA each spring to hear chamber music, choral and orchestral concerts. Trips abroad were among his favorite adventures. He loved sight seeing, soaking in the culture; touring museums and indulging in the local cuisine. Louie also cherished holidays at home in Waxhaw with all his people. A fabulous storyteller, he had a lot of life experience to draw from. Louie especially loved telling tales about his relatives, and a little embellishment went a long way.
On May 3, 2025 at 2:00, we will celebrate the life of Louie Eargle at his family home; 501 West South Main, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Memorials may be sent to the Louie Eargle Scholarship, Lenoir Community College, PO Box 188, Kinston, NC, 20502 or the Zane E. Eargle, Jr. Scholarship Fund, designation #202061, PO Box 309 Chapel Hill, NC, 28109.
