ZEBULON, NC -- Joseph Richard Eicher, 86, of Zebulon, passed away Tuesday afternoon surrounded by his family.

Joe was a son of the late Solomon Eicher and Eva Foster. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Eicher.

He retired from the United States Air Force and later from ESPN. Joe was a member of Louisburg United Methodist Church.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 13th at Louisburg United Methodist Church. The family received friends immediately following the service.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lillian Eicher; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kim Eicher of Henderson; daughters and sons-in-law; Ann and Bob Osborne of Tampa, FL; Debra and James Ellsworth of Castle Hayne; Diana and Steve McCartney of Plaistow, NH; Cheryl and Tim Brooks of Zebulon; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Louisburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 667, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid obituary