WILMINGTON — Edward Joseph Lawler (Eddie) passed away quietly surrounded by his family during the early hours of October 11, 2024.
He was born in Wilmington, NC on July 26, 1944 at James Walker Hospital and was in the nursery with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Louise Jeffords and Edward Joseph Lawler. Eddie leaves behind his soulmate and beloved wife of 56 years, Jean Anderson Lawler, his “daughter nieces” Lisa and Laurie, his grandchildren, Owen and Taylor, a nephew, Worth (Clayton) and 2 sisters-in-law, Peggy Anderson Russell and Susan Anderson Hickman, (Dan), whom he thought of as sisters, along with many extended family.
Eddie was in the US Navy and served 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he went to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. While in school, he worked in the shoe department at Belk Beery in downtown Wilmington. He later became a Division Manager at Belks overseeing many departments and continued to work there until his retirement. After retirement, he decided to obtain his real estate license and went to work for Intracoastal Realty. Over the years, he helped many people buy a home in Wilmington and surrounding areas.
Eddie and Jean have been members of several groups together over the years and have been presented with many awards and making wonderful friends/family along the way. They earned the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Community service award, 1992 John T. Hoggard Order of the Viking and in 2022 earned the UNCW Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2005, with Albert Corbett’s vision, they worked on a 3 year process to light up Airlie Gardens for the holidays which is now a holiday tradition known as Enchanted Airlie. Eddie was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow, a member and past president of the Hanover Seaside Club, a member of the Seahawk Club and an Emeritus Gold member in the Azalea Festival and volunteered for over 60 years. He was the Alumni Coordinator for New Hanover High School Class of 1962 and maintained communication for all his classmates. He was a member of the Bradley Creek Yacht Club and Pine Valley Country Club. Over the years, Eddie made many friends who he loved dearly and thought of as family.
On April 20, 2024, he took part in the Cape Fear Area Honor Flight with his granddaughter, Taylor as his guardian. Taylor will hold this precious memory with her forever in her heart.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to UNCW.
