PANAMA CITY, FL – Edward Stroud McLemore Sr., 86, (March 4, 1932 – February 8, 2019) of Panama City, FL was called to his eternal rest on February 8, 2019. Born on March 4, 1932 in Mobile, AL, he was the son of the late John L. and Lula May McLemore of Mobile. Ed attended Mobile schools graduating from Murphy High School and later from the University of Alabama Class of 1956. Ed worked his early years as a mechanical and architectural engineer eventually owning his own businesses, Graphic Media, Inc. and Diazo-Vac, Inc. in Panama City. Upon selling these, he started the Construction Consulting Company, often working as an inspector for HUD. Ed was a Korean War Veteran who served in the Air Force as a Medic and was a 13 year member of the American Legion Post 356. He was a 32nd Degree Freemason in the Scottish Rite and a Shriner. Among his contributions to his community, he was a member of the St. Andrew’s Historical Society, assisted with the Grief and Loss Service of Northwest FL and was an Emerald Coast Hospice volunteer. Ed was an active member of St. Andrew Baptist Church and treasured his Christian faith. Ed and his wife Beverly’s many interests included snow skiing, dancing, acting in a little theatre group and boating, scuba diving and fishing from their cabin cruiser Sandpiper II. They later owned a sailboat and were often times members of a racing crew. They enjoyed Scottish and Bluegrass music festivals, played guitars and hosted music gatherings. They loved riding their Gold Wing motorcycle, camping and were travel enthusiasts, especially enjoying a trip to Scotland and England. Ed was an animal lover who trained his dogs to do tricks. He was a photographer and a wonderful cook. Above all, Ed loved a laugh and was an avid joke and story teller.
He is survived by his son Edward McLemore Jr. of Westfield, MA, stepson Donald Hills and his wife Abby of Westfield and stepdaughter Linda Hills Messenger of New York, NY; 2 step-grandchildren Erin D’Ambruoso of Glastonbury, CT and Bruce Witham Jr. of Mims, FL; 4 step great-grandchildren; a niece Jackie McLemore Fagan and nephews Kos and Keith Jackson. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years Beverly McLemore, his sister Nell Jackson, sister Dot Shuford, brother Jack McLemore, niece Patricia McLemore, nephew John Shuford and step-grandson Michael Corey.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held by his church families in Panama City at a future date to be announced. A memorial service will also be held at a later date to be announced at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam, MA where his ashes, along with his wife’s, will be interred together. Donations in Ed’s name may be made to the St. Andrew Baptist Church, 3010 West 15th St, Panama City, FL 32401 or the Grief and Loss Program of NW Florida, 1144 Grace Ave., Panama City, FL 32401.
