Edward Williams Obituary

Edward "Ed" Marcus Williams, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 6th, 2025, after living an amazing life. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley "JoAnn" Williams (July 2021). Ed is survived by his three adult children, Kimberly (Al), Edward Jr (Tracy), and Meredith and a sister, Nancy. Ed was a proud Papa to 5 grandchildren: Stephanie (Thomas), Garrett, and Abby Craft of Virginia Beach, Blake and Elissa Williams of Plano Texas, and two great granddaughters Caleigh and Addison. Ed was born in Virginia Beach (formerly Princess Anne County), November 12th, 1928, and was a lifetime resident of this city. He was born to Alton and Hettie Williams, grew up in the Back Bay area of what is now Virginia Beach. Ed spent many years working for the city of Virginia Beach in the office or Permits and Inspection before he retired as the Building Official at age 62.
Ed attended Scott Memorial United Methodist Church most of his adult life after being raised in Charity Neck United Methodist church as a child. He graduated Creeds High School and was a very proud graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Class of 1950, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education. Following graduation, Ed entered military service as a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant and served in the Korean war. After the war, Ed remained in the US Army reserves for 24 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. Ed became employed by Princess Anne County in 1955 in the office of Permits and Inspections where he would witness the formation of the City of Virginia Beach in 1963. He was a member of the Virginia Building Officials Association since 1956 and would serve several years on their Board of Directors. Ed was an active member of the Princess Anne Ruritan Club well into his retirement and served as president in 1979 and was recognized as the Outstanding Ruritan of the year in 1982. He was also a member of the Virginia Beach Masonic lodge #274 AF&AM and a past Bethel #17 Associate Bethel guardian. Ed's biggest passions were his love of steam engine locomotives and following Virginia Tech Sports where he was an active recruiter for the Hokie Club for many years and was recognized with numerous achievements for his fundraising efforts. He was a Hokie supporter for over 70 years and could be found in the stands with his season tickets or at bowl games at every opportunity. Ed resided for over 45 years on the shores of Linkhorn Bay with his wife JoAnn, always declaring that this was their happy place. More recently, Ed resided at First Colonial Inn in Va. Beach where he found many new friends, cornhole and poker buddies, and wonderful caregivers over the last 8 years. The family will be eternally grateful to Judy, Michelle, Cheryl, Alisa, and Harmony Hospice who cared for and befriended him during his final years. Although Ed is no longer with us, we will forever hear him cheering for the Hokies, witness him saluting the flag and thinking about his famous subtle wit and gentle nature as we continue without him.
The family will receive visitors at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, at 1264 N Great Neck Rd, in Virginia Beach on Thursday April 10th from 5-7 p.m. A service will be held on Friday April 11th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a private military burial at Princess Anne Memorial Park. A reception will follow from 3-5 p.m. at the Broad Bay Country club, in Virginia Beach. Please visit the funeral home website for more details and to offer condolences to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.