Edward Lemach Caldwell

Edward Lemach Caldwell, Sr. of Alabama
December 9, 1929 - June 6, 2023

Edward Lemach Caldwell Sr., born on December 9, 1929, in Appomattox, VA to Hubert Hunter and Sara Howerton Caldwell, passed away peacefully in his home on June 6, 2023. Ed, the second of six children, grew up on a dairy farm where he spent his youth working the land and raising his cherished hunting dogs. Training those bird dogs brought him immense joy, and he treasured the memories of hunting expeditions with his friends and brothers.

During his high school years, Ed realized his childhood dream of playing football for Appomattox High School, igniting a lifelong passion for the game. Following graduation, he worked for DHIA, where he dedicated his time to testing milk production levels in dairy cattle herds. It was during this period that he met Sue, the love of his life, at a party where she asked him to dance. Their connection was immediate, and they chose to elope after a romantic courtship.

Serving as a Sergeant First Class in the Army during the Korean War, Ed played a vital role in managing supplies for his platoon. Although he took great pride in his service, he eagerly returned to Lynchburg, VA, to be reunited with his beloved family. Ed secured a position in the accounts payable department at Consolidated Textile, where his manager convinced him to pursue higher education. Motivated by this encouragement, he enrolled at Lynchburg College under the GI Bill, completing a four-year program in half the time. Following graduation, he joined B&W in Lynchburg, working in their accounting department.

In 1962, Ed and Sue relocated their family to Huntsville, AL. Shortly after settling there, he became a Price Analyst for NASA, contributing to proposals for groundbreaking programs such as Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle. After a dedicated career, Ed retired in 1994.

Deeply committed to his faith, Ed actively participated in the activities of Faith Presbyterian Church. He served as a youth advisor, bus driver, Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Trustee. His actions were motivated by his strong belief, and he became a cherished friend and revered patriarch. Ed's love for his family knew no bounds, and he instilled these values in them with great devotion. Known for his warm and welcoming nature, he never met a stranger and greeted everyone he encountered with a smile, a hug, and a kind word. This genuine kindness became a defining characteristic of his personality.

Another passion of Ed's was gardening, which he pursued with enthusiasm for many years. While his once-large garden gradually diminished to a few tomato plants, he took joy in sharing his produce with friends and family.

Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Caldwell; his son, EdLe Caldwell, Jr.; his parents, Hubert and Sara Caldwell; two brothers, H.H. Caldwell and Marvin Caldwell; and his sister, Doris Martin. Ed is survived by his only daughter, Cathy C Watson (Will Gaspard); his son, Clark (Sandi) Caldwell; and daughter-in-law Patty (Rick) Grant. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stephanie (Chris) Karigan, Brian Caldwell, Melissa (Ryan) Shaw, Patrick Watson, Edward H. Caldwell, and Jennifer (Adrian) Gimenez. Ed is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Carson, Natalie, Addison, Cory, Will, Teresa, and Vivienne. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Edith Harris, and brother, Fred Caldwell, both of Appomattox, VA.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Sandra Cisneros, whose unwavering care and genuine compassion have touched our hearts. Her dedication and love have provided comfort and support during this difficult time. Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to Hospice of North Alabama for their exceptional services and support. Their team has gone above and beyond to ensure the utmost comfort and care for our loved one, and we are sincerely grateful for their compassion and professionalism.

Ed will be fondly remembered for his unwavering love for family, his dedication to his faith, his infectious warmth, and his deep-rooted passions. His presence in the lives of those who knew him will forever be cherished.  

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Judes Children's Research Hospital.