Edwin King "Ed" Via

1936 - 2025

Edwin "Ed" King Via

January 19, 1936 - May 28, 2025

Edwin "Ed" Via, 89, of Richmond VA, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025 after a long illness.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Elza King Via and Faith Wilson Via of Martinsville VA, and by his nephew, Robert Banks Via of Raleigh NC.

He is survived by the following family members: his wife of 30 years, Sandra D. Via (Sandy); his brother Banks Via (Jill) of Raleigh NC; his son Jesse Via (Rumi) of Tokyo, Japan; his daughter Shyla Via Tatum (James) of Raleigh NC; his wife Sandy's two sons, Eric Lawson (Donna) and Phil Lawson (Sandy) all of Richmond; and his nephew Dudley Gwaltney (Sarah) of Raleigh NC. Other survivors include his grandchildren Tomoyuki and Hikari Via of Tokyo, Japan, William and Alex Tatum of Raleigh NC, and his wife Sandy's grandchildren Emily Lawson (Jordan) of New York City, Paige Lawson Ott (Ryan), Anna Lawson and Trevor Lawson all of Richmond VA. His wife's sister Debbie Wiese (Steve) of Decatur IL and their three sons (Scott, Matt, and Kyle) and their families also survive as well many cousins, a large extended family, and friends.

Ed was born in Martinsville VA on January 19, 1936. He was one of 11 high school seniors who graduated in 1954 from Drewry Mason High School in Martinsville. He and his brother Banks were raised on their parents' farm where he worked during summers and harvest times. He earned a BS (1959) and an MS (1962) in Geology from Virginia Tech where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He worked for the Virginia Department of Highways for three years after graduating from college. He then worked for 17 years with Lone Star Industries as chief geologist at the corporate headquarters, New York City. In 1982 he became a geological consultant. He was a lifetime member of AIPG (American Institute of Professional Geologists). His travel as a geologist took him to many countries outside the USA, especially in South America.

After his retirement, Ed enjoyed family trips and celebrations, attending school programs of children and grandchildren, membership in the LLI (Lifetime Learning of Chesterfield), and outings with several other informal groups of friends including the "Valentine" group, composed of his Virginia Tech roommates and their spouses. He was a member of a group of friends who enjoyed breakfasts and lunches at the Apothecary, McDonalds, Bojangles, Hardees, and the Brickhouse Diner. Ed's search for the "perfect biscuit" as well as the "perfect tomato" continued for years.

Ed also enjoyed trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, Williamsburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Harrisonburg, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks.

Travel with his wife Sandy was enhanced through a partnership between the Virginia Community College System and Brightpoint Community College (formerly John Tyler Community College), where Sandy taught for 19 plus years, and similar colleges in the UK. Through this exchange, Sandy met Maggie Wood, who taught at Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK and her husband John. This friendship led to 22 years of travel for the four, who enjoyed trips both in the UK and USA, as well as extending travel to other family members. Visits to the UK included England, Scotland, and Wales as well as repeat visits to their beloved Cornwall and the Lake District. When Maggie and John visited from "Across the Pond," the four enjoyed trips out west, Route 66, the Smoky Mountains, National Parks, the Southeast Coast, the Mississippi River, the Northeast, as well as local sites in Richmond.

Ed's achievements and interests were many: Eagle Scout, avid reader, rock collector, poet, proud owner of his 1989 Camry, farmer at heart, generous friend, Hokie, dear husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, and Grandpa. He was an associate member of Central Baptist Church, Richmond VA where he enjoyed music, special programs, church dinners around the table with dear friends, and Central's informal "parking lot" services during the pandemic. Church members recall his "laughter, kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support. His spirit will remain a guiding force, reminding us of the power of love, compassion, and togetherness." He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Davita Hioaks Dialysis Clinic, Bon Secours Cancer Institute at St. Francis, caregivers from Care Advantage, and the staff of Ascend Hospice for their love and care of Ed during his long illness. We are also thankful to our dear family members, neighbors, church family, and friends for their prayers, help, and support during these past months.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Baptist Church, 1500 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield VA 23236. The service will be followed by a reception/luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the following: The Doster-Via Family Scholarship, Brightpoint Community College Foundation, 800 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian VA 23114; Central Baptist Church (see address above); Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA specifically for student financial assistance in the Geology Department.