Edgar “Ed” Franklin Douglas Jr., 89, passed away at home Monday, July 18, 2016.  Born in Kilmarnock, Lancaster County, Sept. 30, 1926, Ed was the son of the late Leone Lewis and E. Franklin Douglas Sr. He lived several years in Newport News, and had been a resident of Smithfield for more than 50 years. 

Ed was affectionately referred to as “brother” by friends and family in Lancaster County and beyond. To know Ed was to love him.  He had a heart as big as Virginia.  He never met a stranger and will be remember for his loyalty and honor and for his service through the Smithfield Union Masonic Lodge, where Ed was a 58-year member.  Ed was a two-time past worshipful master and was always available to help and mentor masons with their degree work.   Ed was the past district deputy of the Masonic Lodge, District #31 and was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason of Newport News.

In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his first wife, Clare Douglas, his second wife, Anna Pitman, and sister Eunice Douglas Brainard.  

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Patricia C. Stafford and husband Phil, and Lynn D Mallonee and husband, Larry; his son, Paul Douglas, five grandchildren, Christina Douglas, Heather Mallonee and fiancé, Christopher Austin, Larry Mallonee Jr. and his wife, Dawn, Christian Stafford and his wife, Holly, and Jonathan Stafford  and his wife, Katie; and two great-grandchildren, John Philip Stafford,II and James Christian Stafford.

Ed completed 23 years in sales with Gwaltney Foods and then another 10 years of service with Newport News Shipbuilding in welding supplies. In his pastime, in addition to his work in the Masons, Ed was very instrumental in the Scottish Rite, Rite Care, Children’s Speech and Language Foundation. He was an avid bird-watcher and enjoyed tending to the wildlife on Cypress Creek.  He was fond of his two cats, Tom and Jerry.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, July 22, 6-7 p.m. in Colonial Funeral Home, followed by a service celebrating Ed’s life at 7 p.m., with the Rev. Tim Phipps officiating.  Masonic Rites will be observed.  A graveside service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, July 23, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Kilmarnock, with military honors. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to Tidewater Scottish Rite Speech and Language Foundation, 65 Saunders Road, Newport News VA 23601, in Ed’s memory.

Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.