Dr. Edward S. Lane

1925 - 2024

Dr. Edward S. Lane, 98, long-time resident of Memphis, TN passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2024. He was born September 9, 1925, to Iverson and Mamie Lane in Morganton, NC.

A devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, he was predeceased by his parents, older siblings Wilson Lane and Genealia Gibson, spouses Virginia Rogers Lane and Barbara Lipsey Lane and survived by his younger sister, Myra Brooks of Corinth, MS, sons Edward (Kim) of Collierville, TN, Ben (Bridgette) of Germantown, TN and grandchildren Summer Acuff, Carly L. Fetz (Patrick), Maddie Lane, Chloe Elam (Ezra), Camille Edwards (Aren), Carter Lane and nieces and nephews.

Spending his childhood and high school years in the Asheville area, Eddie as he preferred then, had worked in restaurants envisioning himself owning and operating one someday. Then in 1943, at the age of 18, he was called into the service of his country entering the Navy where he trained in Jacksonville, FL and in time served on the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. At his honorable discharge in May 1946, he exited at the rank of Aviation Machinist Third Class. While on board serving a six-month tour (and according to him seasick every day!) he met, and was mentored by, the young dentist on board and changed the direction of his life.

After military service, he followed his parents and older brother to Memphis where he joined Wilson working at the Ford plant. Utilizing savings and the GI Bill he enrolled at Memphis State College, as it was known at that time, completing enough credits to apply to dental school and was accepted to the University of Tennessee Dental School. Although a short time at Memphis State, he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he met and was lifelong friends with Mac Pepper. As season ticket holders, for many years afterward, they enjoyed Tiger basketball games together. While in school, he met Virginia Rogers, and they married in 1951. Together, they received the joy of parenthood, blessing their lives with the arrival of two beloved sons. After graduating UT, he established his general practice in Frayser. He was passionate about his career and in 1966 made a bold choice. With a wife and young sons, he sold his practice returning to school at The University of Alabama at Brimingham to receive his specialization in periodontics. Returning to Memphis he established a new practice, Memphis Periodontal Group, with Drs Jim Ross and P.D. Miller. Throughout his career he was active in the Memphis Dental Society serving in numerous capacities including President and in 2005 achieved the distinguished Humanitarian Award. He was also active in the Memphis Dental Legion and Children's Dental Society. After entering periodontics, he became active in the Southern Academy of Periodontics and American Academy of Periodontics serving on the Executive Council. He was also a member of the American and International College of Dentists.

Sadly, after 20 plus years of marriage Virginia passed away in 1981. Several years later he met Barbara who managed the National Bank of Commerce branch near his practice. In time, their relationship flourished. They married and enjoyed traveling the world together until her passing in 2016. While Ed, as he was then known, took delight in his thriving periodontal practice and globetrotting adventures, his true passion emerged, and nothing gave him more pleasure, than "the lake life" with family and friends. Adventures on his first runabout boat, on the Mississippi river, with his long-time friend Rudy Campbell, soon turned into day trips to area lakes and weekend trips to Greers Ferry Lake and the Narrows Inn; remarkable for a sailor who was sick every day at sea! Eventually he made Pickwick Lake his "go to" and ventured into keeping a cabin cruiser, where he could spend weekends. He even established a satellite office in Savannah, TN to extend his time at the lake. Some of the best memories for all of us are at Pickwick on the boat with friends, anchored at Dry Creek, skiing the Tennessee-TomBigbee Waterway, long golf weekends, and socializing on F Pier at the State Park. No place made him happier than Pickwick and all his lake friends.

The remarkable achievements and milestones that encompassed Ed's life were many and left an everlasting impact on his legacy. But whether you knew him as Ed, Edward, Eddie, Dr. Lane, Doc, Dad, Big Ed or Pops he wasn't just a collection of achievements, he was a beacon of love, generosity, humor and wisdom which had a profound influence on the lives of his family and friends and others he touched throughout his life.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24th from 5 to 7 pm at Memphis Funeral Home located at 5599 Poplar, Memphis, TN 38119. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Thursday, January 25th at St. Luke's United Methodist Church located at 480 S. Highland, Memphis, TN 38111. Graveside will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for all the amazing work they do, or the charity of your choice in his memory.