Earl Lucas

On Tuesday, July 11th Earl Kendall “Skip” Lucas, 51, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Harrisburg NC. Skip was a much-loved husband, father, stepfather, brother, son and friend. He was kind and generous, and filled with love for his family. He will be dearly missed and we will forever cherish the memories we have of him.

Skip was born March 17, 1966 in Dayton Ohio to Ray and Willene Lucas. He was the baby boy, with two older sisters Julia and Kathleen. They lived in many places, his father a Colonel in the US Air Force. Eventually moving to Warner Robbins Georgia, Skip graduated from Warner Robbins High School in 1984. He was a member of the JROTC and the Drill Team, becoming a Cadet Officer and leader of the Drill Team.

Skip went on to Georgia Southwestern College, earning a Degree in Business Administration. While in college, Skip was a member of the Army Reserves, earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1987. He completed infantry training at the Army Infantry Center at Fort Benning Georgia in 1985 and Airborne training in 1987. Skip was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate when he graduated in 1988.

Continuing with his Army career, Skip completed Basic Training and Infantry School at Fort Benning Georgia, then moved on to Fort Sill Oklahoma graduating from Field Artillery School in 1989. He awarded the rank of 1st Lieutenant in 1990. In 1991, Skip proudly served his country in Operation Desert Storm as a member of C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Armored Division. He served as Platoon Leader, being awarded an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. Skip was also honored with a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service during Desert Storm. He graduated from the US Army Transportation School at Fort Eustis Virginia in 1992. Skip was awarded the rank of Captain in 1993, and finished his Army service as Transportation Captain at Fort Eustis Virginia. Skip was also an Army Ranger and a parachutist. After his distinguished Army service, Skip had a successful career in the transportation industry.

At home, Skip was a great cook and enjoyed making a good meal for the family. He was a messy cook, but that was ok because the food was good! Skip also had his fur babies that he loved so much. Jojo and Moe gave him great joy and companionship. Skip liked a good “B” grade movie, as he called them, and he had great fun watching them with his wife Angela. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, he completed the New York Times puzzle almost every day.

Skip loved music and was the drummer in a college band. He LOVED Pink Floyd and had a least one t-shirt for every day. He was also very fond of the Beatles and Frank Sinatra. Skip loved the mountains, spending much time there with his family. It was his getaway place, a place of peace and beauty, and he hoped to move there one day with his wife Angela. Skip also loved Ireland, its beauty and heritage. He loved all things Irish and the color green.

Skip was a charmer, and he swept his wife Angela off her feet. He had her at hello as they say. He was a gifted speaker, with great ability to capture his audience. Skip was funny and goofy, with a sometimes wacky sense of humor, and he made people laugh. He showed great courage in everything life handed him. Skip was loving and gentle, a warm-hearted soul and had an impact on everyone he knew.

Skip is survived by his wife Angela Lucas, his son Aaron Lucas, step children Ashleigh, Brandon and Thomas Jones, his sister Julia Diakakis, her husband Saki and daughter Loula, and his sister Kathleen Lucas. He also has a large extended family with his wife Angela. Skip was preceded in death by his parents Colonel Ray Lucas and Willene Lucas.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 22nd at 2 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord NC. Burial will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In honor of Skip, his wife requests everyone to wear something green, his favorite color.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Lucas family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com