Rufus B. “R.B.” Easter Jr., 91, was born Oct. 5, 1928, in Hampton to his parents, the late Rufus B. Sr. and Ann H. Easter. He moved to his new home in heaven Wednesday morning, Feb. 5, 2020.
Affectionately called R.B., he was educated in Hampton’s segregated public schools before attending Hampton (Institute) University and New York Institute of Technology.
He was baptized at First Baptist Church, Hampton, where he remained a devoted member of First Baptist until his death. He served as a deacon and chairman of the Music Ministry Committee. In 1951, he married his wife of 66 years, the late Evelyn Will Easter.
He had a long and storied career at Hampton University, where he became the director of Auxiliary Services. He also served in the Music Department, where he, among other things, was an instructor for the Senior Level Technical Seminar. He also served the City of Hampton with great distinction. He founded the Hampton Association for the Arts and Humanities and was a member of the Music, Arts, Drama and Science Committee for Hampton City Schools.
He was the premier piano tuner in the City of Hampton, serving for over 40 years. He served as the resident piano technician for the Hampton Jazz Festival. R.B. was a co-founder of Insight Enterprises Inc., served as chair of the Peninsula Center for Independent Living to service people with disabilities. He served on several boards and commissions, and, along with his wife, helped organize the Hampton/Newport News affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
For their service, they were recently enshrined on the Martin Luther King Jr. and Hampton Heroes Memorial Plaza. He was also selected as the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board 2007 Hall of Fame recipient.
R.B. and Evelyn had four children, Rufus III, deceased, and Robert, Deborah and Russell; along with countless friends, family and loved ones.
Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, West Queen St., Hampton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, at First Baptist Church, 229 N. King St., Hampton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Rufus and Evelyn Easter Music Scholarship at Hampton University.
Share online condolences with the family at Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home.
