Walter Earle Everett

Walter Earle Everett, 91, of Hilton Head, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a period of declining health. Born to Walter Edgar Everett and Janette Earlene McFadden, Earle was the devoted husband of Nancy Charlotte (Schlichting), with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

For 26 years, Nancy and Earle made their home in Moss Creek, Hilton Head, where they enjoyed golf, tennis, and bike rides well into their 80s. Earlier this Spring they moved to Bluffton, SC.

Earle grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, and later New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he developed a lifelong love of baseball. A standout player in high school and college, he batted over .400 his senior year at Hofstra University and was recruited by the New York Giants and other major league teams. He participated in several professional tryouts and played semi-pro baseball on Long Island and in Somerville, NJ.

Earle’s life was defined by a deep commitment to building community — in his work, his neighborhood, and every circle he joined. He built his career with Sears, serving as store manager in Hazleton, PA, and later Vineland, NJ, where he valued relationships with both customers and staff and worked closely with local organizations. He was active in the Rotary Club, the Vineland Economic Development Board, the Vineland Chamber of Commerce, and the Moss Creek Neighborhood Association. In 1985, he and Nancy designed and built an energy-efficient home in Millville, NJ, featured in the magazine that later became Rodale’s Practical Homeowner.

In retirement, Earle remained a tireless contributor to his community through the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, his thoughtful Letters to the Editor, and the hundreds of American flags he purchased and installed throughout Moss Creek. For years, he shared daily quotes on Facebook — a tradition he resumed this August with his final post on August 5th: “Love is friendship that has caught fire.” — William Anthony.

Earle was predeceased by his parents and his son-in-law, Jerry Amari. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; brother Tom (Betsy); children Dawn, Mark, and Jess (Denise); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many friends whose lives he touched with his warmth and integrity.

A memorial Service will be held at 2 PM at First Presbyterian of Hilton Head Island on Saturday, August 23, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.