Edward Earl Chambers

Big Ed: Respected educator, successful referee and mentor, avid fisherman, devoted husband, loving father, generous grandfather.  A life well-lived and worthy of remembrance, now joining the Lord he served faithfully in and out of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and reuniting with his beloved life partner, Lynn and his oldest son Bryan.  Missed by many but also celebrated on earth by all those whose life he touched.

Edward Earl Chambers passed away unexpectedly early Friday afternoon July 16, 2021.  He is proceeded in death by his parents, Fuller Bryan Chambers and Lelia Chambers Howell, brother F.B. Chambers; wife of 59 years Mary Lynn Chambers and son Daniel Bryan Chambers.  Edward is survived by his brother, Bob Chambers; son, Brady Guy Chambers and wife Debbie Stair Chambers; daughter-in-law Dorene Rountree Chambers; grandchildren, Geoffrey Charles Chambers, Mara Lelia Chambers, Emma Estelle Chambers, Harper Ryan Chambers, Caroline Grace Chambers, and Aidan Thomas Stair, and great-grandson Rowan Bryan Reyes.  Additionally, to Michelle, Kaydence and Bella Antonie, he became their adoptive Big Ed, whom they loved dearly.

Throughout his career as an elementary school principal Ed had many adopted students and athletes whom he cared for deeply.  He is fondly remembered by many students and teachers sitting on the floor in his office or the hallway reading to them as a father would. He worked hard to reach every child in their realm, offering a kind word of encouragement, a stern look, or a grab you by the collar and throw you out of the gym until you can give it 100%.

Ed spent many years fine-tuning his knowledge, skill, and talent as a basketball referee, which culminated in serving at the Southern Conference tournaments and in the NIT. While he was skilled at his job he is revered for his stewardship of the game and his mentoring of fellow referees.  His dedication to “calling it like you see it” is famously recorded at Marshall, when he called a foul with one second to go allowing free throws to defeat the “The Thundering Herd,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. 

When not in the schoolhouse or on the court as a coach or referee, Ed found solace and enjoyment fishing the streams of the Appalachian Mountains and the big rivers of Montana.  His genius for teaching rolled over into his favorite past time activity, where he mentored many a fisherman throughout his life. 

While Ed was a teacher in the schools and in life, to his family he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.  He kept the family in stitches with his practical jokes and hillbilly humor. He always had a watchful eye to keep his sons on the straight and narrow while letting them spread their wings.  To his dear friends and their families, Ed was a listener, counselor, shoulder, mentor, and surrogate father figure. He extended his love of family to all those around him. 

He will be remembered by many for setting them straight, lifting them up, holding them accountable, having their back, and extending a little tough love with a lot of sincere care and passion.  He truly was a man devoted to relationships and helping all those he touched be one step better. 

A special thanks to all those that have supported our family these past few years.  And a special call out to Maxine Clement, a longtime family friend, who bandaged Edward up, reminisced with him, baby sat for us, and genuinely did her best to get Ed in line, though we all know he never followed a straight path. 

Receiving of Friends Thursday July 22nd 5pm at Mount Carmel Baptist Church followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 6pm.

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