Theron Early

Theron Christopher Early, 63, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

He was born in Ohio on June 27, 1961, to his parents Sara and Roger.

Theron, affectionately known as “Chris,” was a mild-mannered child. Soaking up all the knowledge that he could in his early years. He informed his mom, Sara, that he was ready to run the world when he was just eight. He spent many days throughout his childhood with his family and close cousins, trying to beat the streetlights home while creating memories to last a lifetime. He graduated from Eastmoor High School in 1979 and went on to serve in the U.S. Marines. Upon the completion of his service, he returned home to Columbus, where he worked in data and information processing.

Theron married Veronica Buttrum in May 1990 and celebrated with the Luau party of all parties. Already a top DJ in his own right, you could hear the twin 15’s up and down the block. Together they found God, confessed Jesus as Lord, and joined the Columbus Bible Way Church. He joined the choir and shared his passion for music as the drummer for many years. He was mean on the snares—a craft he’d been cultivating since his young adult days in his grandmother’s basement.

Theron had a big heart and opened his home to countless children and young adults, serving as a foster parent for well over a decade. He imparted as much love, wisdom, and knowledge as he could during their time under his care. They called him Mr. T, and he played the role. You could always find him in a Bruce Lee tee, with a gold chain around his neck. He was celebrated as Foster Parent of the Year in 1998.

Theron loved his four kids and was a very active father. Wanting them to be even smarter than him, their rooms were full of books, children’s encyclopedias, and workbooks to continue learning after school. Frequently buying books in multiples for the family non-fiction book club, he read with them often. Present at all parent-teacher conferences, even when the kids didn’t want him to be, he was there at the school, not needing a visitor's pass due to his frequent visits. Often traveling on weekends for Kevin’s cross-country meets, late-night pickups from basketball for Cherika, and acting as chauffeur for all things for Kimberly and Kimyata, he was there. Together they would watch endless hours of sports, from football to basketball and everything in between, cheering for the best teams. Family vacations to the cabins, trips to Geauga Lake, and Cedar Point were routine. And after winter 2001, the family was officially the Griswolds after the tire blowout and subsequent mishaps on the way to South Carolina. He was very proud of the children he raised into adulthood, often sharing pictures of them, their families, and their most recent accolades, bragging on his best things.

Theron loved to share the word of God. He served as a Jets for Jesus weekly children’s ministry teacher for many years. Jets was often one of the highlights of his week; he enjoyed teaching the kids and working with the young adult teaching assistants, spreading God’s word to kids from all across Columbus and the surrounding areas.

Theron’s life was a miracle and a living testament of God’s love for His children. He beat the odds and left the doctors perplexed many times over. Living with renal failure for over 30 years, he never let that get him down. Living a full life even until the end, often beep-beeping his way through a crowd, blasting his music in any room. This was his world, and the rest of us were just living in it. He knew no boundaries and was often spotted on the scene zooming past everyone going from place to place. He was an avid concert-goer and loved music of all genres. In the last few years, he averaged six concerts a year, with over thousands of pictures to prove it. He equally loved the Michigan Wolverines, stayed true through the years of their mediocrity, and bragged to all who would listen of what he was convinced was their prowess. He was the DJ of all DJs and, even in 2024, was still making CD mixtapes to share with family and friends. Often sharing in a package with a chocolate bar, scripture, and greeting for all holidays and momentous occasions. He was unique, and outside of his children, who are all the best parts of him, there’ll never be another like him.

Theron was a good man. He was the best dad, a constant source of love, guidance, and unwavering support, who always put his family first and left behind a legacy of kindness and devotion. As a son, he honored his mother with deep respect and gratitude, embodying the values she instilled in him. As a nephew and cousin, he brought warmth, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to every family gathering. As a friend, he was unwaveringly loyal, compassionate, and always there to lend support. His sharp tongue and quick wit made every conversation unforgettable, delivering humor and insight with a flair uniquely his own, always ready with knowledge and a perspective that kept everyone on their toes.

Theron is preceded in death by his father, Roger Brown. Surviving family members include his loving mother, Sara and Robert Owens; his lifelong friend, Veronica Early; his children, Kevin and Natasha Howell, Cherika Carter, Kimberly Early, and Kimyata Early; his grandchildren, Quinten Howell, Jocquez Howell, Tamaro Howell, and Baby Boy Early, who is expected to arrive February 25, 2025; a host of cousins; and "Early Bird" will be missed by best friend Drew Moss; and special friends Althea and Nikiya, who became family and have been by his side over the last fifteen years.

Theron will be deeply missed by his family, church family, friends, and all who were touched by his love and kindness. But they find hope and comfort in the promise of 1 Thessalonians 4, that the dead in Christ will rise first, and believers will be united with the Lord forever at His return.

Lovingly submitted by the family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm with a Funeral Service immediately following at The Columbus Bible Way Church, 2660 Rhoades Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit his Tribute Page.