Earl R.

Fairfax

Earl R. Fairfax, 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday September 30, 2026, at his home in Surfside Beach, SC surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Robeson County, NC on November 9, 1938, Earl was the son of the late Callie and Hayes Fairfax. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Fairfax and his sister, Aileen Williams.

Survivors include his loving wife, Lorene Beard Fairfax; his son, David (Marie) Fairfax; his daughter, Judy (Terry) Brown; sisters, Joyce Dunbar and Wilma Coleman; seven grandchildren, Devin, Chris and Brandon Fairfax; Becky, Matt and Zachary Brown; Maddy Gainer; ten great grandchildren, Hunter, Madison, Braylynn, Bailey, Jaden and Ryan Fairfax, Cali Harte, Banks and Beau Brown and Walker Gainer.

Earl was married to Lorene for 67 years. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Charlotte, NC in 1959. Earl worked for Biltmore Diary for 19 years until their closing. He then went to work for James River Corp, retiring after 24 years. After retirement Earl and Lorene moved to Surfside Beach, SC and they enjoyed traveling the US until Earl became sick in 2010. Earl enjoyed many good fishing days at the Surfside Pier. While working in Charlotte, one of Earl’s passions was playing pool and soft ball. Earl was saved and baptized on Easter Sunday. He was a member of Devonshire Baptist Church in Charlotte where he helped to build the current building. After retiring to Surfside Beach, Earl became a member of Glenns Bay Baptist Church where he attended for many years. In 2024, Earl became a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A funeral service will be held on 3:00 PM Saturday, October 3 at McNeill Legacy Funeral Home, 319 West Broad Street, St. Pauls, NC 28384. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the day of the service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow in Great Marsh Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Earl’s name to Devonshire Baptist Church, 6744 View Way Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 or to Friendship Baptist Church, 608 6th Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fairfax family.