Robert Lee "R.L." Eads

Mr. Robert Lee “R.L.” Eads, 85, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026. He was born in Elkin, NC on July 26, 1940 to Vester and Nina Eads. R.L. was a long-time member of Union Cross Friends Meeting. He was the owner and operator of R.L.’s Alignment Service. R.L. enjoyed working on cars and had been a mechanic for well over 50 years. He was an avid NASCAR fan. R.L. was a parts representative for MOOG. This allowed him many unique opportunities of a lifetime, such as being in the pits during races and riding in the pace car during a NASCAR race in Charlotte. His favorite racer was Bill Elliott. His love of racing also led him to many other fond memories made with his wife, Wilma, traveling the country to races in their RV. While they did enjoy traveling, most of all they enjoyed sitting together on their front porch at home. R.L. was a farmer who raised cows and he always had a big garden. He was a very hard worker. His pride and joy were his family. He spent many of his early years with his wife and daughter, Angie, spending time at the beach on every holiday. In his later years he loved spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending every ballgame or event they had going on. He was well loved and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Wilma Jean Groce Eads; and sister, Brenda Russell. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Angie Eads Adams and husband, Mark; grandchildren, Chad Adams and wife, Merritt, and Kayla Adams McBane and husband, Lewis; great-grandchildren, Rayleigh McBane, Anderson McBane, and Baby Girl McBane due to arrive in August; and brother, Gary Wayne Eads.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. in the Gentry Family Chapel by Rev. Nelson Puffenbarger and Mark Adams. Interment will follow in the Union Cross Friends Meeting Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Cross Friends Cemetery Fund, 2533 Union Cross Church Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to R.L.’s friends and church family for their love and support. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Eads family.