Earl Thad Prevatte , 92, passed away February 28, 2022. Earl was born in Lumberton, North Carolina to the late Lewis and Alma Arnette Prevatte. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army. Subsequently he retired as a heavy equipment operator. He was instrumental in the construction in some of the local landmarks including the Norfolk Scope and Hampton Roads Tunnel. Mr. Earl was known as “The Best Crane Operator “ in the area and was requested to work on various projects outside the tidewater area. He was active in the church where he served as a deacon for many years. Unknown to many and in previous years, he loved square dancing and participated in many events with the Dixie Squares. In the past he enjoyed fishing with his buddies, Claxton and Ben and they always had a “fish story” to tell! No doubt they are up in heaven reliving those exaggerated stories! Up until last summer you could find him working in his garden or in the yard. He loved tinkering on lawn mowers, tractors and bicycles and anything else he could fix. Until Alzheimer’s took control, Earl went to Hardees almost every morning with his faithful sidekick Sam, a boxer who loved Hardees biscuits as much as Earl. Earl will be remembered for his kindness to others. He always had an infectious smile and kind words that touched your heart. His presence will be greatly missed by those whose lives he’s touched, but his love and fond memories will live on forever in our hearts.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved dog, Sam and his loving daughters, Rita Prevatte Cooper (Ron); Cheryl Prevatte; Jeannie Prevatte Henson (James). He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren (Heather, Melissa, Kiel, David, Hayden and Jamie) and 9 great grandchildren. He is survived by a brother (Harold Ray Prevatte), a sister (Betty Jean Stone), and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road Chesapeake on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. A service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11:00 am at Floyd Memory Gardens, 3720 Old Whiteville Road Lumberton, NC 28358 Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com leave a condolence to the family.