Edward Lee Westmoreland, 91, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born May 3, 1935 in DeKalb County to the late George Lee Westmoreland and Rowena Posey Westmoreland and was a 1953 graduate of Fyffe High School. His strong work ethic began early in his life as a factory worker, and parts manager at Cliff West Buick, and founding 3rd Street Curb Market. He found his real passion for the automotive industry when he became a sales representative for BFGoodrich Tire and store manager for Coker Tire in Chattanooga. He soon returned to Fort Payne to open Westmoreland Tire in 1974 which he continued to operate with his family. He was past president of the Alabama Tire Dealers Association and was among the first to be inducted into their hall of fame.
He served in the Alabama National Guard from 1955 to 1966 and in the early 1970’s he was an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scouts in the Chattanooga area. A man of strong faith, he served his church for many years as a deacon, trustee, treasurer and Sunday School director. Mr. Westmoreland was the longest living past master of the Masonic Lodge #437, of which he was a part of for over 67 years. Among his community service, he served on the local AmSouth Bank board of directors and the Fort Payne Water Board for 14 years.
More than all of his business accomplishments, community service, and accolades, Mr. Westmoreland will be remembered for his integrity, his kindness, and for his servant’s heart. So often, even in the last week of his life, he ended conversations with “Is there anything that I can do for you?”
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, August 30th at Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. Pat McFadden officiating. Employees and past employees of Westmoreland Tire will serve as honorary pallbearers. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 8 p.m.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years LeEarl Westmoreland; children Tommy Westmoreland, Steve Westmoreland (Renee), and Tina Westmoreland Ellis (LaVaughn); grandchildren Kelly Simpson (Mark), Rachel Ellis, and Nicole Ellis; great-grandchildren Nathan Simpson and Natalie Simpson; sister Phiba Higgins; sister-in-law Patsy Westmoreland; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Rex Westmoreland and Ned Westmoreland and brother-in-law Rev. Fred Higgins.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is entrusted with the services.
