Earl Sides

Robert Earl Sides, 89, of Salisbury, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Novant Health – Rowan Medical Center. Born in Davidson County on November 5, 1928, he was the son of the late George Harley Sides, Sr. and Jencie Lenora Trogden Sides. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, George H. Sides, Jr. and James Ray Sides and his son-in-law, Edward Paul Ritch. Earl graduated from China Grove High School and then from Catawba College. During his years at Catawba, he sang with the Catawba College Octet, traveling to sing in the Hollywood Bowl. After college, he began his career in banking at Scottish Bank. He retired from Wells Fargo as a Commercial Loan Officer. Mr. Sides was greatly involved in his church, Milford Hills United Methodist Church, where he was a Lifetime Member of the Milford Hills Men, served as Choir Director for 25 years, taught the Adult Sunday School Class and was a Lay Leader Representative for many years and helped with the church Missions Trips. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, having received the highest award, The Silver Beaver Award; he was a member of the Franklin Ellis Lions Club; was an American Red Cross volunteer; served on the Rowan Helping Ministries Board and was a volunteer with the Rowan County Board of Elections. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Jean Freeze Sides; son, Larry Earl Sides and wife Luanne of China Grove; daughter, Vicky Sides Ritch of Charlotte; brother, Rev. Curtis Levi Sides and wife Carol; sisters, Janice Sides Peeler and husband Gregory and Rebecca Sebastian and husband, Chris. He also is survived by his grandchildren, April Lauren Sides (Tammy Maegher), Jennifer Lynne Ritch, Stephanie Anne Ritch, Mark Robert Sides (Lauren), and Elizabeth Jean Sides and two great-grandchildren, Makinley Sides and Parker Sides. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Milford Hills United Methodist Church. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM in the church sanctuary with Rev. Carol Williams-Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Milford Hills United Methodist Church 1630 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sides family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Earl Sides

November 5, 1928 - April 30, 2018