Earl Hampton, 88, of Spring City, passed into glory on February 23, 2021 at home with his family.

Born on October 7, 1932, Earl was a lifetime resident of Rhea County and a member of Texas Grove Baptist Church.  He was the son of the late Rosa Hampton.

In high school, Earl was the Captain of the football team and the first All-State football player from Spring City High School.  He escorted the 1952 Homecoming Queen, his sweetheart/wife, Joyce Thurman Hampton.  He continued his football career at Memphis State, and later, he proudly watched his boys, grandsons, and great grandson play football, each earning the name "Hamp."

Earl enjoyed playing golf, hunting, watching Nascar, working on the farm, traveling with his sweetheart Joyce, and spending time w ith his family.  He loved to watch his boys and grandchildren play sports.  He and Joyce had many adventures together and loved each other for over seventy years. His grandchildren describe him as a strong man with a gentle heart.

He helped establish the Rhea County Rescue Squad, and was an active member of the church and community in many ways.  He worked for Scandlyn Oil Company and later managed the Big Apple Market.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joyce Thurman Hampton, his son, R obert Lynn Hampton, brother Curt (Joyce) Alley, and sister Eliza (John) Moore.

He is survived by his sons Jim (Deb) Hampton, Donnie (Vivian) Hampton, grandchildren Jimmy (Eva) Hampton, Cricket (Scott) Newby, Jenna Hampton, and T.J. (Cindy) Hampton, grea t-grandchildren Celie Patterson, Landon Hampton, Dalton Hampton, Wyatt Hampton, Maysa Hampton, and Creek Hampton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Black and staff, as well as Hearth Hospice caregivers, Renee and Jamie.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 25, 2020 at 2:00 at Texas Grove Baptist Church with Rev.  Norman Huskey officiating.   Interment will be in the Mount Sulphur Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday prior to the service from 12 :00-2:00 at Texas Grove Baptist Church.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of Earl Hampton.