Albert Gene Eller

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Catherine Kincaid Eller, and also his adoring children; Rick and Phil Eller, and daughter, Cathy and her husband Mark English. However, the light shone brightest in his eyes when surrounded by his grandchil¬dren; Andrew Eller and wife, Ashley and their children, Greyson and Peyton, Aaron Eller and wife, Caitlin, Robby English, and special granddaughter Laura English, who seldom missed calling her Grandpa each and every night to check on him and Grandma, say goodnight, and love you.

Albert, Daddy, or Grandpa, by whatever name, he loved us all unconditionally and he was loved by all of us. In the last few months during declining health the love that he received was never more evident than with all the care and compassion that he received from his wife, children, grandchildren, and numerous health caregivers. Whether it was taking him to a doctor’s appointment, picking up food, a hug, a “love you Grandpa”, a phone call, or sleeping at the house overnight, Grandpa knew that we were there for him whatever he needed. He was blessed to see his family frequently and loved being an active Grandpa. Andrew, Aaron, Robby, and Laura all think of Grandma and Grandpa’s house as a second home. Each one of you held a very special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents William Milton Eller and Mary Huffman Eller and also siblings; Doris, Fannie, Kita, Minnie, Neta, Nora, Toye, Jack, Jim, Lawrence, Stacey.

Shortly after graduating from Valdese High School in 1949, Albert wed his childhood sweetheart Catherine. Soon after the wedding the young couple left western North Carolina to enroll in Southeastern Bible Institute in Lakeland, Florida. However due to finances, they left school after only one year.

Albert then moved his young family which now included infant son Rick to Pontiac, Michigan where he worked in a car factory for nearly four years to earn enough money to return to college. He returned to college and received his Bachelor’s degree in 1960. While in school his second son, Phil was born.

After receiving his degree, he accepted his first pastorate at the small Assembly of God Church in Hertford, NC. During his time there he also started his career in Social Services for the state of North Carolina. While still in Herford, daughter Cathy arrived to complete the family.

In 1964, he accepted the church in Hickory, NC while there he oversaw the purchase of the property still occupied by the First Assembly of Hickory.

While in Hickory he continued his work with the state as a Case Worker with NC Vocational Rehabilitation. In the late 1960’s although still heavily involved in the church, he gave up the responsibility of pastoring a church full time.

In 1970, he accepted the position as Regional Director of Vocational Rehabilitation in Asheville, NC. While in Asheville he returned to school and received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Western Carolina University. Then in 1979 he was transferred to their administrative offices in Raleigh. He continued there until his retirement in 1992.

After retiring from his State job, he and Catherine purchased the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Cary, NC. They were blessed to operate the chapel for nearly fifteen years. He was truly honored to officiate over 3000 weddings while there. Declining health forced the closing of the wedding chapel several years ago but still to this day they receive Christmas cards from couples that they married many years ago.

Albert, through a twist, was considered a member of the graduating classes of both 1949 and 1950 from Valdese High School. He looked forward each year to attending the reunion of each class. In October, 2014 Albert and Catherine attended the 64th year reunion of the class of 1950. They cherished the time spent with lifelong friends.

In addition to spending time with family, Albert and Catherine enjoyed several vacations after retiring. Amongst their adventures, were many cruises to the Caribbean, Costa Rica and through the Panama Canal. They traveled out west visiting many states including a trip to Alaska.

He was loved by all and his passing will be grieved forever.

A service to remember and celebrate his life was held on February 3, 2015 in Raleigh, NC. The service was officiated by Rev. Gene Boyce of Hertford, NC. He was buried at Lancaster Memorial Park in Louisburg, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. brownwynnemillbrook.com