Earl Kenneth Cherry, Jr age 47 of Elk Creek, VA, went to heaven on September 4, 2025,  surrounded by family and friends from a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Earl was born in Roanoke, VA to the late Earl K. Cherry, Sr. and Rachel Hall Cherry.
Earl was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend and educator.  Earl was a member of Fries Baptist Church where he served as the choir director and a deacon.  Earl had two master's degrees in history and Classical Studies which allowed him to teach US History and Latin at Grayson County High School. He also taught Virginia History and Survey of American History as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Earl's ability to make education fun and interesting allowed him to reach many students in his career. Teaching was his greatest gift, and he handed it out freely.  He became a cherished friend to school staff and kids alike.

Earl was preceded in death by his father Earl K. Cherry, Sr. who shared a birthday; his half-sister, Sabrena C. Mills; his paternal grandparents, Drew Fred and Nannie Iva Cherry; his maternal grandparents, Robert Bruce and Kate S. Hall.

Earl is survived by LuAnn Williams Cherry, wife of 26 years; son Robert Bruce Hall Cherry (Cheyenne, Brooklyn and David Workman); daughters, Caroline Lucy Kate Cherry (Keyshawn Phipps) and Nora Emeline Brooke Cherry, all of the home; his mother, Rachel Hall Cherry; brother, Jim McKinnon Cherry and girlfriend, Grace; half-sisters, Cheryl C. Umberger, Becky C. Maloney (Pat), Nancy C Brown, Kathy C Botkin (Randy);  half-brother, William Cox;  father and mother-in-law, Rev. John and Judy Williams; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Curtis and Stacee Williams; numerous nephews and nieces also survive.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Earl K Cherry, Jr. Memorial scholarship at Grayson County High School, PO Box 828, Independence, VA 24348.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Grayson County High School at 2:00 PM with Rev. Curtis Williams and Bro. Derek Cowan officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday September 12, 2025, at Grayson County High School from 6:00-8:00 PM.

The burial will be private at the Comers Rock Cemetery.

The family asks those attending to wear school colors in honor of Earl's loyalty to the school.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Cherry family.