Edward Allen McLaughlin, 82, of Florence, passed away Dec. 19, 2013, at his home after a short illness. He was a 60 year resident of the Shoals after living his childhood in Brookwood and Kellerman in the Tuscaloosa area. Mr. McLaughlin was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Marks McLaughlin.
Mr. McLaughlin is survived by his daughters, Charlene McLaughlin, of Decatur, and Pamela McLaughlin Johnson, of Tallahassee; and by his son, Michael McLaughlin, of Atlanta. He is also survived by grandson, Sean Kilpatrick; and great-grandchildren, Bradyn and Lexi Kilpatrick, of Decatur. Mr. McLaughlin is also survived by very close family members, Iris Jo Mallett and Faye Taylor; brothers, Charles and Ray McLaughlin; special friend, Peggy Patterson; and many other family and friends that he viewed as special people in his life.
Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 22, from 1-3 p.m. at Greenview Memorial at 3657 Old Chisholm Rd. The funeral service will follow immediately at 3 p.m. at the same location, Greenview Memorial, with Reverend Tom Phillips presiding. Active pallbearers will be family members Sean Kilpatrick, Ricky Mallett, Rusty Mallett, Larry Johnson, and close friends Roger Baggett and Dennis Gist.
Mr. McLaughlin worked as a millwright for over 40 years and was a member of the Carpenters and Joiners Union in Sheffield and the Millwright local in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was very proud of having worked on projects in 19 states and was particularly proud of working on the team with Reynold Metal’s construction of the first rocket the U.S. placed into space and the first to carry an American into space. He was passionate about his work as a millwright and enjoyed extended stints with Reynolds, TVA, GE, and Ford Motor Co., and he was considered outstanding in his trade by his employers, his union and his co-workers.
Mr. McLaughlin was an avid fan of the University of Alabama and its Crimson Tide sports teams and also enjoyed the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers teams. He was passionate about cars and loved traveling to see family and friends across the country.
Known as a “real character” and always ready with a story or a humorous comment, Ed never met a stranger. He loved life and lived large. He always made time for family and friends and doted on his doggies, Ellie Mae and Sugar Baby. He was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Special thanks to Gentiva Home Health and Hospice of the Shoals for their professional and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials or donations to Florence Humane Society or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
