Edwin "Ed" Lawrence Philbin

Edwin “Ed” Lawrence Philbin, 87, joined his loving wife, Eva, and the chorus of angels in heaven on February 8, 2024, following a courageous battle with old age, after relocating to Chattanooga in 2020. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 3, 1936, and, following education at the University of North Carolina and University of South Carolina and a tour as a U.S. Marine, he married Eva Margaret Williams in Albany, Ga. on April 23, 1960, where they had three children. After marrying, Ed attended Florida State University, where he earned a master’s degree in library science and quickly became a “rabid” Seminole football fan. His physical appearance was so similar to FSU Coach Bobby Bowden that even Coach Steve Spurrier did a “double take” when he once entered the same hotel elevator before a football game. Not shy, Ed reacted with the traditional tomahawk chop. Ed was known for his prolific fish stories—some even true, camping and his love of boats. These were wonderful substitutes for golf, which he was passionate about early on, as he shifted focus on hobbies and activities that always included his family. Hunting, scuba-diving, fishing, boating and tennis were many of the things he enjoyed with his family. These were terrific opportunities where he shared his insight, wisdom, discipline, humor and love with his family. Ed was a member of the Elks Lodge, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church of Albany, Ga., and served as commander of the Albany Power Squadron. He also served as an acolyte at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, Fl. As a husband, he adored his wife, who indulged his penchant for bigger boats and campers as the family grew, and as a father, his patience, wit, good nature and ability to laugh at himself taught them the importance of humility, hard work and humor. Ed embraced the idea that “you can’t push a rope,” which allowed his children to explore and discover their passion, regardless of his opinion of their choices. As a professional, Ed was instrumental in leading the Albany Junior College Library (later known as Darton College) into the computer age as the director of Library and Learning Resources. Ed had that rare ability to start conversations with strangers and depart as friends. He never held grudges and was quick to offer a hand—whether as a member of the Knights of Columbus or during significant flooding in South Georgia, cooking meals for displaced residents. Following retirement in 1999, Ed and Eva moved to Niceville, Fl. to pursue fishing and boating full-time. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Margaret Williams Philbin; his father, John Patrick Philbin; and his mother, Mary Agnes Maloney Philbin. Survivors include one daughter, Bebe Marie Philbin Everett, of Chattanooga; two sons, John Patrick “Pat” Philbin, II and wife, Erin, of Herndon, Va., and Edward Lawrence “Ted” Philbin, Jr. and wife, Becky, of Thomasville, Ga.; four grandchildren, John Patrick Philbin, III and wife, Carrie, Kerry Elizabeth Philbin Sadler and husband, Tim, Edward Tyler Philbin, and Casey Marie Philbin Holman and husband, Jake; and eight great-grandchildren, Jackson Patrick Philbin, Kieran James Philbin, Brooks William Philbin, Brynn Erin Philbin, Finn Michael Sadler, Charlotte “Charley” Marie Sadler, Rory Patrick Sadler and Mads John Holman. A Memorial Mass will be held at noon on Friday, March 1 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace in Chattanooga, with the Rev. Charlie Burton officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, with military honors. The family wishes to thank the many medical support staff who cared for Ed during his long journey home. In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Edwin "Ed" Lawrence Philbin

May 3, 1936 - February 8, 2024