Mr. James “Fred” East, Sr., age 91, of Claudville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 1, 2026. He was born in Patrick County on January 16, 1935, to the late William Henry East and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ruth Hall East. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue Nunn East; one son, Jimmy Lee East; and ten siblings, Jessie East Mitchell, Mary East McAlexander, William Greene East, Sam Ed East, Evelyn East Williams, Nancy East Vipperman, Henry Akers East, Annie East Welch, Robert Hampton East, and Thelma East Holt. Fred faithfully served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Mountain Home Masonic Lodge, #263 in Stuart. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and baseball, shooting the breeze with his retired buddies at Howell’s Grocery and he was an expert pool player in his youth. He loved and appreciated family visits and giving to friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, a generous human being, and a great friend.
Left to cherish the memories of Fred are his children, Tim Lee East of Varnville, SC and James Fred East, Jr. and wife, Silvia M. East of Morehead City, NC; three grandchildren, Michael East, Thomas Herron and wife, Lauren; and Luis Herron and wife, Cortney; four great-grandchildren, Mason Thomas, Giancarlo Herron, Giovanny Herr on, and Southerland Herron; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Mr. East will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Locust Grove Cemetery with Pastor Dewayne Trout officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Masonic Rites provided by Mountain Home Lodge #263. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart on Tuesday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mountain Home Masonic Lodge #263, P.O. Box 123, Stuart, VA 24171. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
