Earl E. Covey

February 5, 1939 – September 21, 2022 Earl Elmer Covey of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on September 21, 2022, at the age of 83. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Irene (Honey Babe), his sister-in-law Roswitha Fick, and his siblings Donna Mae, Walter, Milo, JB, and Wayne. He was a loving uncle to Irene Fick, Kathleen Dolce (husband John), and Jeanette Miller (husband Dwayne), and a loving great-uncle to Stephanie Weaver (husband Jeremy), Dustin Miller (wife Veronica), Ashlie Dolce, Nicki Dolce, five nieces, and nine nephews. He was also a great-great-uncle to Landyn Weaver, Kaylianna Weaver, and Aiden Weaver. Earl was preceded in death by his father Rex, mother Katherine, siblings Marthelma, Dean, Niva, Susie Ann, Eloyal Carmon, Dwe, and Allen; brother-in-law Ralph Fick; and mother-in-law Agnes Marr. He was born on February 5, 1939 in Blaine Watonga, Oklahoma, to Rex Covey and Katherine (Roberts) Covey. Earl fell in love with and married the women of his dreams, his “honey babe” Irene, on September 26, 1970. Earl served in the Air Force and the Marines and received the Vietnam Gallantry Cross (VCG) with a Bronze Star. The VGC medal was presented by South Vietnam in recognition of Earl’s valor and gallantry while serving in active combat against enemy forces. In addition, Earl received the following: • Navy Commendation Medal for performing an exceedingly heroic act • Combat Action Ribbon for actively engaging the enemy in retaliatory counter fire actions • Presidential Unit Citation in recognition of the heroic or meritorious service or specific achievements of his unit • Good Conduct Medal for three consecutive years of “honorable and faithful service” • National Defense Service Medal in recognition of active duty service during a declared “national emergency” • Vietnam Service Medal for his service during the Vietnam War • Vietnam Campaign Medal for his military support of operations in Vietnam. Earl was a Master Mason and held membership in the John A. Lejeune #350 Lodge for more than 50 years, serving as Worship Master in 1977. He also served in the Alexandria Washington #22 Lodge. He was a member of the National Sojourner, and was Past Commander of Samuel Nicholas Heroes of 76 Camp #44. He was known for toasting the flag and would perform the toast on command. Although Earl and Irene did not have children, they treated all their nieces and nephews as their own and embraced every moment they could with them. Earl was always supportive, teaching them how to ride a bike or drive a car. He went to every game and school event. At heart, he was just a big kid. He played games with all his nieces and nephews, made up stories, and told silly and corny jokes that made them all laugh. Services for Earl will be at Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, Virginia, at noon on Friday, October 7, 2022, followed by a military honor service at Quantico Cemetery at 1:30 pm. A celebration of life will be held at the home of his niece, Irene at the conclusion of both services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help) or to a charity of your choice in his name.

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Earl E. Covey

September 21, 2022