Earl Piper Obituary

Earl Sanford Piper, 89, devoted husband of Nancy Crowell Piper, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 13, 2025. Born in Quantico, Virginia, he was the son of the late Brigadier General, Earl Sanford Piper Sr. and Elizabeth Carstarphen Piper. Growing up in a military family, Earl's dynamic life took him across the globe, and he developed a profound sense of service and duty that guided his life's journey. He swam collegiately and enjoyed sailing while attending the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation in 1957, he was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the US Marine Corp. He was stationed in the following locations: Quantico, VA, Camp Pendleton, CA, Okinawa, Japan, Atlanta, GA, Vietnam, Marine Corp Headquarters, Washington D.C., Newport, RI, Okinawa, Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, Atlanta, GA, and Parris Island, SC where he retired in 1983. He received the following Military decorations: Bronze Star (with Combat V) Joint Service Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Purple Heart (with star) Combat Action Ribbon Presidential Unit Citation (with star) National Defense Service Medal (with 2 stars) Vietnam Service Medal (with 2 stars) Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with bronze star) Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Emblem with Palm Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal His commitment to excellence and leadership in the military inspired many and left a lasting imprint on those who served alongside him. After his military career, Earl transitioned into education, serving as a beloved educator at Beaufort Academy, where he imparted knowledge and wisdom to countless students. His deep passion for teaching was matched only by the love he shared with his family. He dedicated over 20 years to Community Bible Church, which he helped start in Beaufort, SC. Earl was introduced to the love of his life, Nancy, through a classmate at the Naval Academy, Jim Reid, who happened to be Nancy's cousin. Their marriage in December of 1957 blossomed into a loving partnership that marked the beginning of a beautiful life together, encompassing love, laughter, and enduring support within their family. Earl was not only a man of duty but also a man of deep faith. His kindness, generosity, and spirit endeared him to friends and family alike. Earl's legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. He graced all who knew him with kindness and unwavering love. In addition, he was a faithful member of North Hills Community Church. They spent more than 30 years in Beaufort before relocating to Greenville, South Carolina, to be closer to his loving family. Earl was a lifelong bird enthusiast. His legacy of love will forever be cherished in the hearts of his loving wife, Nancy; their three wonderful children, Tom Piper and wife, Mindy of Greenville, SC, Warren S. Piper and wife, Donna of Homer, GA, and Marie P. Janeway and husband, Doug of Chattanooga, TN; six adoring grandchildren, John S. Piper (Mackenzie), James "Kyle" Piper (Lane), Thomas Piper (Syndi), Bobbie Lewis (John), Nathan Janeway (Elizabeth), Daniel Janeway (Victoria Stamey); and six precious great grandchildren, Hayes Piper, Mason Dunagan, Sanford and Shia Piper, Trey and Robert Lewis. Earl was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mike Piper. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at North Hills Community Church. A private committal with full military honors will be rendered at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the services section. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Hills Community Church by visiting www.northhillschurch.com. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Earl with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".