Dr. Jack J. Early Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Jack Jones Early of Louisville, age 96, passed away on January 22, 2022. He was born to the late Joseph and Lela Jones Early on April 12, 1925, in Corbin, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother J. Derwood Early; beloved wife of 64 years Nancye Whaley Early; and son-in-law John Best. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Lela Martin (Harold) of Midlothian, VA, Judy Best of Edwardsville, IL, Laura Early (Randy Davis) of Lake Carroll, IL; grandchildren Chris Martin of Richmond, VA, Ben Martin (Meg Edwards) of Woodbridge, VA, Kate Gould (Trevor) of Pittsburgh, PA, Joey Best of Grand Prairie, TX, Jackson Best of Edwardsville, IL, and Liam Davis of Lake Carroll, IL; great-grandson Jack Martin of Woodbridge, VA; sisters-in-law Katie Ratliff of Ashland, KY and Adeline Muir of Nicholasville, KY; numerous other relatives. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and he never knew a stranger. Jack valued education. His own education started in Corbin. Unable to serve in the military due to a medical condition, he continued at Union College (KY) where he received his B.A. in 1948. He earned both his M.A. (1953) and Ed.D. (1956) at the University of Kentucky. Simultaneously, he earned a B.D. in religious education from Lexington Theological Seminary. He received several honorary degrees as well. His career in education started in 1948 at Hindman High School and Hindman Settlement School (KY). He became a professor at Athens College (AL) in 1953. After completing his doctorate, he was named Dean at Iowa Wesleyan University. In 1958, he became President of Dakota Wesleyan University (SD), the youngest college president at that time. In 1969, he served as President of Pfeiffer University in NC. After that, he worked as the Executive Director for Education for the American Bankers Association in Washington, DC. Returning to academics in 1973, he became President of Limestone University in SC. In 1979, he became Vice President for education and communications at Combined Insurance Company of America and later Vice President for education at W. Clement Stone PMA Communications, Inc., in Chicago. He was elected President of the Kentucky Independent College Fund in 1984. After his full-time retirement, he later taught courses at McKendree University (IL) until age 90. He valued the Christian faith. He was a lifelong Methodist, who was ordained as a minister in 1954, but started preaching when he was in high school. Jack and Nancye met as officers in Methodist youth fellowship and had their first date after a church event. He received a leadership award from the Religious Heritage of America and later served on its board. He attended St. Matthews United Methodist Church until his death. He knew he would go to heaven and join Nancye after his life on earth ended. Jack valued service. Active in civic and charitable organizations over the years, he served in many capacities from being PTA president to serving on the board of the YMCA to sitting on scholarship committees. He was a 33° Mason. He was a Rotarian for much of his life, serving a term as District governor. After doing genealogical research, he became involved in hereditary societies including the Society of the Cincinnati, Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, Jamestowne Society, and Sons of the American Revolution among others. He was a founding member of First Families of Kentucky. He served as chaplain or prelate at the national level in many of these organizations. He was inducted into honorary membership by the Hereditary Society Community. Jack was a lifelong Republican. At a young age, he was elected to the Kentucky General Assembly, serving during the 1952-54 term. He was a delegate from South Dakota to the 1968 Republican National Convention. One of his many honors was being inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni. He was also an ardent fan of UK sports, especially basketball. Jack had a positive mental attitude. He gave motivational speeches worldwide through the International Council on Education for Teaching and led training programs, including in prisons, as Director of Education of the Napoleon Hill Foundation. He shared that same positivity every day. Visitation will begin at noon on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Pearson’s Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40207, with a service following at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the “Early” scholarship fund at any of these institutions: Union College, 310 College Street, Box D004, Barboursville, KY 40906 or unioncollege.givingfuel.com; Kentucky Wesleyan College, 3000 Fredericka Street, Owensboro, KY 42301 or kwc.edu/give; Dakota Wesleyan University,1200 West University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301 or give.dwu.edu. Masks and social distancing required.

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Dr. Jack J. Early

April 12, 1925 - January 22, 2022