Last month, Wilkes Democratic party was saddened to lose two important people to democracy in Wilkes County, Earl Eller and Garland Hill. Godspeed to both of these men.
EARL ELLER
Mr. Earl Thomas Eller, age 72 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 at his home.
Mr.. Eller was born March 28, 1946 in Wilkes County to Ernest A. and Geneva Faw Eller, who preceded him in death. He and two brothers, Larry and David, grew up on a farm in Millers Creek, N.C. Earl attended Millers Creek Elementary and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1964. While at West Wilkes, he was co-captain of the football team his senior year and selected all conference for three years. After graduation, he attended Mars Hill College and played football for two years until an injury sidelined him. He graduated in 1968 and during his junior and senior years, he was the first student director of Mars Hill’s intramural programs
Mr. Earl Thomas Eller, age 72 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 at his home.
Mr.. Eller was born March 28, 1946 in Wilkes County to Ernest A. and Geneva Faw Eller, who preceded him in death. He and two brothers, Larry and David, grew up on a farm in Millers Creek, N.C. Earl attended Millers Creek Elementary and graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1964. While at West Wilkes, he was co-captain of the football team his senior year and selected all conference for three years. After graduation, he attended Mars Hill College and played football for two years until an injury sidelined him. He graduated in 1968 and during his junior and senior years, he was the first student director of Mars Hill’s intramural programs
In 1968, Eller began teaching Biology, Health, and Physical Education at North Wilkes High School where he also started his coaching career, becoming the first head football coach. Earl inherited a tradition of winning because the Vikings were widely known for their basketball success, having won a state title. In his first two years, the football team played a junior varsity schedule with afternoon games on the baseball field. The Vikings played their first varsity home game in their new football stadium in 1970. In 1972, their third year of varsity competition, North Wilkes won its first conference championship. Coach Eller coached the football program for 13 years, participated in state playoffs for four years, and served as athletic director for 32 years.
Coach Eller worked tirelessly to upgrade facilities and establish programs for young men and women, and because of his dedication, the field house at North Wilkes High School is named in his honor. During Eller’s tenure, North Wilkes athletics grew from two sports to 32 teams when he retired. Coach Eller started the weight program for all athletes and helped coordinate Athletic Booster Club projects that included: adding bleachers in the gym, baseball field, and football field; press boxes at both fields; handicap viewing area; and a concession building for football. During Eller’s career, a football facility was constructed along with a running track, tennis courts, and women’s softball field. Coach Eller’s vision along with county and community support made this possible.
Eller was active in the North Wilkes community, Wilkes County Democratic Party, and across the state. He is a charter member of the Mountain View Ruritan Club, served on the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees, and volunteers as a lunch buddy for Communities In Schools. Eller’s entire life has been one in constant motion of helping, encouraging, teaching, and sacrificing time and resources to better the lives of others. Earl loved traveling and spending time with his daughter, Kristy and her husband Mitch, and three grandchildren, Gavin, and twin granddaughters Piper and Ellery.
Mr. Eller is survived by a daughter; Kristy Jane Eller Tyndall and husband Mitch of Clayton, a grandson; Gavin Tyndall and two granddaughters; Piper and Ellery all of Clayton, two brothers; Larry Eller and wife Helen of Millers Creek and David Eller of Millers Creek.
GARLAND HILL
Mr. Roy Garland Hill, III, age 70, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday the 21st of September 2018 at Wilkes Regional Hospital.
Mr. Hill was born July the 22nd of 1948 in Davidson County to Roy Garland (R.G.) Hill, Jr. and Muriel Barger Hill. His father preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother of Welcome, his brothers Tom Hill and wife Gail, Rick Hill and wife Debbie all of Lexington, daughter Kari Hill Brown and husband Jason of Asheville and grandchildren Madison and Jackson, son David Hill and wife Pamela of Charlotte, daughter Natalie Hill and wife Kim Hill of Deep Gap and grandchildren Ethan Call, Travis Hill and Katelyn Hamm, and wife Barbara Jean Hill of North Wilkesboro.
Pa Smokey enjoyed his role as a grandfather immensely. He fondly called Travis “The Professor.” He was also a truly loving husband and father. He provided a moral compass, a listening ear and love without restriction. His sense of humor both intentional and unintentional left all those around him full of joy.
Garland graduated from North Davidson High School in 1966. After graduation he attended Mars Hill College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He taught science at North Buncombe High School and then earned his Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama in 1973. Garland went on to attend Appalachian State University to receive his Specialist in Education degree in 1983.
Garland had a multi-faceted career working in both local and state education systems. Some of his many accomplishments included his work to desegregate the Goldsboro School System, as Chief Administer of a school for exceptional children, and as principal of an elementary school. He spent the last 20 years of his career as the Director of Testing and Accountability for the Wilkes County Schools.
Upon retirement, Garland took up wood carving and achieved the level of a master carver winning multiple awards for his life-like bird carvings. Garland was a life-long learner. His mother always called him her “Genius Son.” He took up painting, guitar, bee keeping and tax preparation. He was an avid collector of baseball cards, coins, stamps and friends. He had an enormous intellect and appetite for knowledge. He was in many respects a Renaissance man.
Garland was an active member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church for 20 years and served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and on numerous committees. He recently joined North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church where he was involved with congregational care and communications.
Garland was an integral member of the Wilkes County Board of Elections for several years, representing the Democratic party on the board and working diplomatically with the staff and other party. He served a term as chairman when the political climate was favorable to a Democratic Governor - before the General Assembly usurped the Governor's power. He believed passionately in the democratic system of government and fought to make sure that every voter had a voice and that all elections were fair and honest.
Both these men were involved, interesting, energetic and inspiring. But most importantly both of them were passionate about voting, making the right to vote accessible to all, and for the Democratic Party in Wilkes County. They will be truly missed. To honor them by voting and making your voice heard would be the best thing you could do to honor their memory. I know I'll be thinking about them both when I feed my ballot into the counter.