Edward “Ed” Lee Eplee, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Bostic, NC on July 6, 2021, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He lived a long and happy life in Rutherford County. He is survived by his siblings; Bernice and husband Gene, Lois and her husband Ray, Donnie and wife Patricia, and sister-in-law Shirley Eplee. Ed is also survived by his children; Lisa and husband Chris, Karen and husband Michael, Diane and husband Donnie, Miranda Penton. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren with an eleventh to come. A number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends are also left to cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents Alonzo and Margaret Eplee, his first wife, Elaine Eplee, his second wife, Marilyn Eplee, brothers, Roy Eplee and Herman Eplee, one sister, Lucille Martin and one sister-in-law Ruby Eplee.
Ed was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He spent many years working alongside his brother Herman in various construction jobs and finished his career with Duke Power. Much of his free time was involved doing things with his family, such as going to softball tournaments, karate demos, watching NASCAR, drinking black coffee, and reading his newspaper every day. His famous line to ask people was, “Am I too cute for my height?”. He always had a joke or funny story to tell.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held 2 PM Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Crowe’s Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC or to The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.