Obituaries

William Earl Tudor, 86, of Collinsville, passed peacefully at Sovah Health Martinsville Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family, on November 4, 2023. Earl was born in Critz, Virginia, on July 4, 1937, to the late William Barney Tudor and the late Annie Mae Nelson Tudor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, best friend, and soul mate of 67+ years, Betty Carol Brim Tudor; son-in-law Bill Southerland; three half-sisters, Odesta Tudor, Addie Tudor, and Jennie Carter Miller; and five half-brothers, James Tudor, Herbert Tudor, Billy Tudor, Ivor Corns, and Ralph Tudor.

Earl, or "Papa," married the love of his life, Betty, on August 23, 1956, and together they built a beautiful life and family that they loved and cherished. A lifelong salesman, Earl began his career in sales with People's Life Insurance, moving on to auto sales at W & B Chevrolet in Bassett, VA. Through his 40+ years of GM Car sales, he assisted many generations of families and returning customers. Earl retired from GR Chevrolet in 2012. He was an avid NASCAR fan for all GM drivers, and he loved gardening and bird-watching. Earl's family was his pride and joy. He was always happiest when he was surrounded by his family for meals, picnics, visits, taking trips, and the holidays.

Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Robin Southerland of Bassett, Tammy Tudor Proffitt (Darrell) of Port Orange, FL, and Valerie Beth Hunt (Steve) of Bassett; two grandchildren, Eric Wayne Hunt (Angel) of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Andrew Garfield Southerland of Ft. Worth, TX; one great-grandson, Nathaniel Steven Hunt of Myrtle Beach, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of Earl's life will be held with his interment in Roselawn Burial Park.

Anyone wishing to pay their respects is welcome to visit Bassett Funeral Service on November 7, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Sovah Health Martinsville Critical Care Unit for their professionalism, care, kindness, compassion, and support. Special thanks to CCU nurse Jennifer Durham.

Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Tudor family.