Tony Edward Eggleston, Ph.D.

“A Tar Heel Born and a Tar Heel Bred”, Tony Edward Eggleston died suddenly Friday April 3, 2015.  Tony was born on June 8, 1942 in Mebane, NC and the family moved to Rocky Mount when Tony was 2 years old. Tony graduated from Rocky Mount High School and joined many of his friends at UNC-Chapel Hill where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1964.  Tony was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. into the United States Air Force upon graduation. Captain Tony E. Eggleston received an Honorable Discharge from the 455th Strategic Missile Wing, Strategic Air Command, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota in December 1968.  Tony continued his education obtaining his Master’s Degree and his Doctorate Degree as his job responsibilities grew. Tony is survived by his kind, compassionate and supportive wife Ellen C. Pulaski of Cary along with his other two favorite girls – Hannah and LadyBug.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in- law Dr. William and Cheryl Macey of Vancouver, British Columbia, Tucson, AZ and Omaha, NE, and Ellen’s nephew and his new bride Collin and Emily Schwartz of Omaha, NE. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Margaret Eggleston of Roxboro, brothers Claiborne of Eden, Robert of Denver, Colorado, and Neil of Valle Crucis, NC.  Tony also is survived by the children from his marriage to Hoyle Maddox:  Kelly Eggleston Dodson and her son Galen Dodson of Durham, NC and his son Edward Eggleston of New Brunswick County, NC. Tony’s kind and generous spirit will also be missed by his nieces and their children and grandchildren, especially Teresa Eggleston Smith and her husband Gary and their children of Gibsonville, NC; Robin Eggleston Cain and her two sons from Haw River, NC and Vickie Eggleston Branson and her husband Parker of Yanceyville, NC, their children and grandchildren. Tony worked in the environmental industry in various capacities.  But he will be remembered mainly for his volunteer activities throughout his life.  He was a Volunteer Fireman in Denison, Ohio; EMT, Volunteer Fireman and Assistant Chief in Fairfax County, VA; EMT, Volunteer Fireman and Assistant Chief in Vienna, VA; and a Volunteer Fireman in Wilmington, NC. Tony was part of the Environmental Protection Agency-The United States Occupational Safety and Health Agency Team at the 9/11 recovery and cleanup efforts at the Twin Towers in New York City. Tony had a very keen interest in history, and he loved to study above all the history of the Confederacy and North Carolinas involvement in the War Between the States. For many years he was an active member of the Colonel Henry K. Burgwyn Camp, #1485, of The Sons of Confederate Veterans, based in Wendell and eastern Wake County. Over the years, he served in various capacities for that Camp, as Commander, Chaplain, and Historian. He also gave a number of special programs and presentations to Camps within The Sons of Confederate Veterans organization, based on original research that he did. Tony never missed a meeting, unless incapacitated by illness. He was always eager and willing to help a new member research his Confederate ancestors. He was generous with his time, and a compatriot to all who knew him. Ellen offers her deep appreciation to his many devoted friends for their friendship through the years. Many thanks and sincere appreciation to Tony’s friend, kind and patience physician Kati Dessauer, M.D. of Cary and to his warm and encompassing family at St. George’s Anglican Church. A Memorial Service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church located at 1210 Dixie Trail in Raleigh, NC at 12:30 pm. on Saturday April 11, 2015 with The Rt. Rev. Dr. John E. Upham, Jr. officiating.  A reception will follow in the Parrish Hall.  Burial will be at a later date in the Family Cemetery in Rockingham County. In lieu of flowers, it was Tony’s request that memorial contributions be made to St George’s Anglican Church.  Please mail donations to: St. George’s Anglican Church, 1210 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607 with “In Memory of Tony Eggleston” in the memo line.