Gary Wade (Cotton) Early, 61, of Salem and formerly of Ironto, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roscoe and Lillian Early and Beryl and Janette Dallas; parents, Stanley and Helen Early; brother, Steve Early; and aunt and uncle, Phyllis Early and Wayne Dallas.

His surviving family includes his wife of 30 years, Antonia Early; children, Shawn Early, Margaret Early, Roger Early, and Jason Furrow; siblings, Larry Early, Ricky Early, and Peggy Anderson; and 7 grandchildren.

The family extends a special thanks to Lynn and Mary Lois Reese as well as Hall’s United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Hall’s United Methodist Church in Elliston with Rev. Brenda Sternfeld officiating. A period of visitation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or Blue Ridge Cancer Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

The Early family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.