HUNTSVILLE,Ala — Ed Starnes Jr., 79, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2013at home beside Rae, the love of his life, and surrounded by family. D.Edward Starnes, Jr. and Jane Ramelle Hylton wed Sept. 24, 1955, andfrom their marriage rose a family that they both considered theirgreatest blessing and most lasting legacy.
Edand Rae’s children and spouses include Ed III and Lynne Starnes,Kathryn and Bill Stem, Bill and Christine Starnes, and David and LisaStarnes. Ed and Rae’s grandchildren and spouses include Emily and SteveConnelly, Whitney and Caleb Meriwether, Tyler Stem, Loren Starnes,Chase Starnes, Allie Starnes, Justin Starnes, Anna Starnes, and DanielStarnes. Ed and Rae’s great grand-children include Vee Connelly, JohnConnelly, and Lochlan Connelly.
Edand Rae, both graduates of the University of North Carolina, loved tovisit Tar Heel country, and many of Ed’s paintings reflect theirtravels across the state. Ocracoke, a barrier island on the Carolinacoast, became a second home for Ed and Rae during summers, where theyrode bikes, walked the beach, prepared elaborate feasts, andcollaborated about Ed’s art.
Edalso believed in community, and he dedicated much of his life toserving Huntsville and Alabama as an education advocate and publicservant. Rae shared in those sacrifices, and the two of them workedside by side to build their family, their church, and their community.
Amemorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at theChurch of the Nativity. A celebration of Ed’s life will follow inadjacent Ridley Hall from 3 to 5 p.m.
Inlieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ed StarnesMemorial Fund at the Arts Council, 700 Monroe St., Suite 2, Huntsville,AL 35801, or the Church of the Nativity, 208 Eustis Ave., Huntsville,AL 35801. (www.laughlinservice.com)
