Earl Julius Umstead

Retired Master Sargent, Earl J. “Proctor The Vacuum Doctor” Umstead, age 83, departed this life peacefully on July 17, 2017, with his wife, Lillian at his bedside. He was born in Rocky Mountain, North Carolina, on November 4, 1933. He was born to Cornelia Parson and Oslow Umstead, who both preceded him in death. Earl, received his education from North Carolina A&T State University and shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served his country for 24 ½ years before retiring. Later, Earl would marry his devoted wife of 36 years, and she remained by his side until his passing. Trustee Umstead or “Uncle Earl” as he was affectionately known, was a faithful member in good standing, until the very end, at Bibleway Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the teachings of the late Bishop L.T. Blackshear and current Pastor, Bishop T. L. Holsey. It was here that he served on the Trustee Board, the Male Choir, & he taught Sunday School for many years. Trustee Umstead used to lead one of his favorite songs, “Jesus on the mainline, tell Him what you want!” When he had the opportunity to read the Scripture, he always read, Psalms 1, in its entirety. His talents included fixing vacuum cleaners and he owned/operated a vacuum cleaner shop at Spencer’s Bazaar for many years. Because of his affiliations at his shop, he was widely known and respected within the community. Trustee Umstead was also preceded in death by his brother, Joe Corbett and his son, Joe Twitty. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Lillian Umstead; brothers, Lonnie (Florence) Umstead of Hampton, VA, Frank Corbett of Indiana, PA, Larry Goolsby of Philadelphia, PA; sisters, Bernice Barnes & Barbara McFarland, both of Philadelphia, PA; 3 daughters, Cornelia Rush of Sacramento, CA, Carmen Murphy of St. Louis, IL, & Debra Lamb of Dover, DE; grandchildren: Mauricia, Jomanda, Joanna, Brandy, Sean, Shayla, Andrade (Cindy), Terrence, Joe Jr., Shawn, & Swan; nieces & nephews, Maurice, Denise, Ka-Msiyara (Kelly), Melvin, Glen, Wayne, John, Lance, Qahmir; an aunt, Thelma Pinkett; an uncle, Milton Parson; Goddaughter, Ashleigh Summers and a host of great grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Lovingly Submitted, The Family of Trustee Earl J. Umstead To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl Julius Umstead, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Earl Julius Umstead

November 4, 1933 - July 17, 2017