Reggie Hayden Eller

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Mr. Reggie Hayden Eller, age 84 of Ferguson, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Lewis Fork Baptist Church with Pastor Dwayne Andrews, Rev. Sherrill Wellborn, and Mr. Wayne Wilkerson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Reggie was born April 13, 1941, in Wilkes County to Travis Adna and Hallie Flo Jones Eller.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Hayden Eller, and his sister, Joann Rich, sisters-in-law Bernice Eller and Martha Hardesty. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda W. Eller of the home; son Austin Eller of Ferguson; granddaughter, Aven Eller; two sisters, Jerry Church of Ferguson, Gail Yates (Clayton) of Purlear; and his brother, Tony Eller of Wilkesboro.

Reggie attended Appalachian State University, where he received Bachelor and Masters degrees in Education.  He began his career as an elementary school teacher in Forsyth County, teaching at Dalton Elementary and Union Cross Elementary until 1971.  He then returned to his hometown as a principal with Wilkes County schools at Union Elementary and Millers Creek Elementary, until he retired in 1998. 

Reggie was first and foremost an educator.  He dedicated his life to the service of children, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless students.  He had an uncanny ability to remember each student's name and took immense joy in sharing lunchtime with them.  He was a lifelong learner himself, immersing himself in reading and gaining knowledge wherever he could. 

Beyond his dedication to education, he possessed an adventurous spirit and a zeal for travel.  He explored the far corners of the world, but the Florida Keys held a special place in his heart.  He loved to camp and be in Marathon.  He often served as the family travel agent, helping family members discover unforgettable destinations as he had.

He had a wide array of passions that enriched his life. He was a devoted dog lover, finding companionship and joy in their presence.  He and his dog Max were devoted companions.  He enjoyed a good sudoku puzzle as often as possible.  If he wasn’t working on a puzzle, he was hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He was a proud alumnus of Appalachian State University.  He passionately supported his alma mater as a member of the Yosef Club and loved to cheer on the Mountaineers in basketball and football. 

Reggie was a prankster and always enjoyed a good joke.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and made those around him laugh. 

Reggie had a love for Japanese red maples that he grew and gifted to many.  They were his signature gift, which he delivered and planted to the delight of those that received them.  He planted many at Lewis Fork Baptist Church in honor of his parents. This gesture symbolized his deep roots, his love for nature, and his commitment to preserving his parents’ memory.

His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the memories he created, and the values he instilled in others.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lewis Fork Baptist Church Prayer Garden, 395 Lewis Fork Road, Purlear, NC 28665, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-427, or Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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