Mr. James E. “Eddie” Truitt, 85, of Nandua, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Onancock on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. Born Dec. 15, 1938, in Cedarview, he was the son of the late Willard Clarence Truitt and the late Madeline Elizabeth West Truitt.
Eddie graduated from Central High School in 1957 and served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard before returning to the Shore. He began a career in construction excavation but soon found his true passion in agriculture.
For decades, Eddie managed a 500-acre farm in Nandua, where he was a familiar sight on his red Case IH tractor, often accompanied by his loyal border collie, Cody. Eddie’s love for the land extended beyond wheat and soy crops. He was also known for his beautiful azalea bushes, and he dedicated many years to nurturing a diverse range of birds, including chickens, ducks, guineas, and peacocks, reflecting his shift from hunting to preservation. His commitment to farming and the agricultural community was further demonstrated by his lifetime membership in the Peninsula Tractor Organization, in which he was a respected and active member.
When he wasn’t working on the farm, Eddie enjoyed time with his family and especially looked forward to days spent boating. His devotion to his family and his work on the farm were central to his life, and his passion for agriculture was evident in all he did.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Sue Truitt; daughters, Tammy Truitt (Newman Scott) and Kelly Truitt Young (Mark Smith), all of Onancock; grandchildren, Grace and Mason Young; sister-in-law, Anesia Smith (J.E.); niece, Sylvia Tarr (Rudy), who was like a sister; nephew, Donnie Drewer (Betsy) and his family; great-nephews, Bruce Sterling (Sandy), with whom he shared a special bond, Steve Sterling (Trish), and Ricky Sterling (Traci), as well as their families; and last but certainly not least in Eddie’s book his best bud, Coby. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Elizabeth “Tee” Drewer.
Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Kendra Powell officiating.
Contributions in Eddie’s memory may be made to Peninsula Tractor Organization, 8104 Sunset Cove Drive, Exmore, VA 23350, www.peninsulatractor.org/support/
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
