Perry Gene Eaves, Jr., Aka PJ

Avid music lover and storyteller Perry Gene Eaves, Jr., known by many as P.J., left this world on May 29, 2023, at the age of 42.   Anyone who knew P.J. knew he loved music, especially musician Kurt Cobain and the band Nirvana.  His crooked little grin and infectious giggle could light up a room instantly.  He was a jokester, loved baseball and collecting baseball cards, playing video games, rolling dice, and he had a talent for telling a story so well he made you feel as though you were experiencing the story itself.  One such story was when he and his cousin, Bryan, decided to be Bo and Luke Duke one day at their Grandpa Thomas' shop in Walnut, MS.  That was certainly a story to tell.

In earlier years, P.J. was known for being an amazing baseball player while playing baseball for Brinkley.  He won many awards for his outstanding performance, and one he had kept all these years was his award for First Place in the North Central Baseball League.  Outside of baseball, he was so talented and, during his school years, was so excited when he was awarded the "Best Behavior" plaque and many awards for math and reading.  Of course, his Grandma Eaves wasn't surprised because she knew he was talented and made sure everyone knew.  But most of all, P.J. had a huge heart and could not stand to see anyone sad,  upset, or hurt.  He would give up his most precious treasure to ensure the best for those he loved.

P.J. was born November 10, 1980, to Elizabeth Caldwell and Perry Eaves, Sr., in Stuttgart, AR.   P.J. is survived by Peyton Hawkins (Lynn & Jim Hawkins), Elizabeth Caldwell (mother), Vanessa (Nick Bonds) Eaves (sister), Tatum Alsup and Mallory Bonds (nieces), Perry (Valerie McCoy) Eaves, Sr. (father),  Crystal and Bobbie Jo Moffett (stepsisters), and Wesley Moffett (stepbrother), Patsy (James) Watkins (maternal grandmother and step-grandfather), Carolyn Goodman (aunt) and Bryan (Cindy) Grigsby (cousin), Lynn (Jim) Hawkins (aunt), and Monica (Dean) Lindley (aunt), Beverly Johnston (aunt), Joyce (Gene) Stansburry  (aunt) and a host of other family members.  He was preceded in death by Thomas Caldwell (maternal grandfather), Frank & Edith Eaves (paternal grandfather and grandmother), and Orlan Ray Moffett and Franklin Scott McCoy (stepbrothers).

Services will be held Monday, June 5 at Bob Neal & Sons at 11:00 am at Bob Neal & Sons funeral home.  Please contact Elizabeth Caldwell, Carolyn Goodman, Lynn Hawkins, Monica Lindley, or Bryan Grigsby for those interested in contributing to a memorial in his honor.  All who plan to attend the services are encouraged to wear a t-shirt featuring their favorite band to honor P.J.'s love of t-shirts and music.