O. Eldred "El' Cherry

O.Eldred "El" Cherry, age 86 of Eden, NC passed away on Saturday evening March 7, 2015 at Hospice home of Rockingham County.

A graveside service will be held 11a.m. Tuesday at Danview Cemetery.

Eldred was born July 9, 1928 in the Draper section of Eden to the late Orman Edward and Louella Kate Drewry Cherry. A lifetime resident of Eden, he graduated from Draper High School Class of 1946. El served two years of service in the U.S. Navy and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Elon College in 1952. He was the founder of Cherry Insurance Company in the Draper section section of Eden, where he worked before retiring in 2002. El served as Mayor of Draper for two terms, and was instrumental in the consolidation of the three towns, Leaksville, Spray and Draper joining as one municipality. El was active in the Draper Mechants Association and the Rotary. An avid golfer at Lynrock Golf Club, he also enjoyed country-bluegrass music.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Walter R. "Snookie" Cherry, Harry W. Cherry,Joseph H. Cherry, Frank E. "Bill" Cherry, Russell D. Cherry, Clifford D. Cherry; sisters, Doris Ercelle Cherry and Sarah Cherry Garber.

He is survived by spouse, Jean Cherry; daughters, Karen Cherry Cox (Garry) and Cathy Cherry of Eden, Lisa Cherry of Wilmington and Amy Cherry Holland (Chris) of London, KY; grandchildren, Christopher and William Cox of Eden, Kate Honeycutt Clark of Wilmington and Joshua Holland of London, KY; great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will have a visitation on Monday evening from 6:30 till 8:00 Pm at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the home of the daughter, Karen Cherry Cox, 165 Malibu Street, Eden.

Memorial contributions may offered to Church of the Epiphany, 538 Henry Street, Eden,NC 27288 or to Hospice of Rockingham County, Po Box 281, Wenthworth, NC 27375.

Online condolences to www.fairfuneralhome.com