Edward "Eddie" Preston Paitsel, Jr.

Edward, Eddie, Preston Paitsel, Jr. went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:58pm while at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina. Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Smith Paitsel, his father, Edward Preston Paitsel, and his mother, Gertrude Angelina Boone Paitsel. He was also preceded in death by 7 brothers and 5 sisters. He leaves behind four children, Monica Paitsel (Pam), Tina Bullington (Blaine), Edward Preston Paitsel, III (Elizabeth), and Dana Payne (Greg). He also leaves behind a sister, Betty June Nicely (Richard) of Fredericksburg, VA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren as well as a dear friend and neighbor Arthur Gray Marion and special friend Elaine Van Auken. He also leaves behind countless friends he felt were more like family and who brought great joy to his life.

Eddie was born in Clifton-Forge, Virginia to Edward and Gertrude Paitsel on April 9, 1941. He graduated from Central High School in Selma, Virginia. He joined the Army at the age of 17 serving in Germany where he was a munitions specialist. After leaving the Army, Eddie married Joan Smith Paitsel and resided with his wife and four children in Covington, Virginia. After moving to North Carolina in 1982, he resided with his family in Pilot Mtn. 

Eddie was the “life of the party” and never met a stranger. He enjoyed his time with the breakfast group at Aunt Beas, his friends at Wendy’s in Mount Airy, friends at Willis Gap, Applewood, and his friends at the Beulah Ruritan Building as well as anywhere music was played and friends gathered to fellowship. 

He loved the Lord and his church family at Mount Airy Wesleyan Church and his former church family at Rescue Baptist Church in Pilot Mtn. While Eddie loved the Lord, he also loved life and enjoyed every moment to the fullest. 

A visitation for Eddie will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Moody’s Funeral Home in Mt. Airy, NC and services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 29, 2024 followed by military rights at the burial site at Rescue Baptist Church in Pilot Mtn., NC.  

The family would like to thank all the friends and family who have reached out in prayer and support and are especially thankful for the loving care provided through Mountain Valley Hospice and the wonderful staff at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.