Matthew Earl Sullivan, Sr., 86, of Troutville, went home to be with his Lord Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Earl was born in Troutville December 1, 1935 and was the son of the late Joseph and Alice Lane Sullivan. For 43 years, Earl owned Sullivan and Lane Carryout at the corner of 14th and Euclid Street, NW in Washington, D.C. After he moved back to Botetourt, Earl worked as a custodian for 10 years at Burlington Elementary School and worked with his brother James’ business, United Janitorial Service.
He was a faithful member of Spirit of Unity Baptist Church in Cloverdale. Earl enjoyed working, family time, his grandchildren, dancing, bowling and his ’99 Lincoln.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Sullivan Jr., William Sullivan, Sherman Sullivan, James Sullivan, and Paul Sullivan; sister, Marie Jones; and son-in-law, Steven Tracy.
Earl leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife of 22 years, Denise Osborne Sullivan; sons, Edwin (Tammye) Sullivan, Matthew (Sherry) Sullivan Jr., Tyrone Osborne, and Tywon Osborne; daughters, Deborah Tracy and Ericka Sullivan; 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Sullivan Sr., Richard Sullivan, and Samuel Sullivan; sisters, Louise Pierce, and Rachel (Bill) Sorenoson; brothers-in-law, Baron Nelson, and Tommy Jones; sisters-in-law, Hildegard Sullivan, Alease Sullivan, Judy Sullivan, Christine Sullivan; goddaughter, Chiquita Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Earl’s home going was celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, August 12 at Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, 193 Updike Lane, Cloverdale with Pastor Sean Burch officiating. Burial followed at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family received friends Thursday, 6-8 p.m., at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville.
Online condolences may be made to Earl’s family at www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/Matthew-Sullivan.
