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Ed Spivia Obituary
He was Georgia's first film commissioner in the early 1970s and his friendship with Burt Reynolds during that period helped lure the production of films such as "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Longest Yard" to the state.
Spivia, 78, was surrounded by family at his home on Lake Lanier when he passed away from complications brought on by Lewy body dementia, which he had lived with for several years, according to his wife, Barbara Spivia.
Read more about Ed Spivia on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Ed Spivia
28 Entries
Steve Rosenberg
April 3, 2022
I didn't know Ed but everything I have recently come to learn tells me he was someone I would have wanted to know. He was universally loved and respected. May he continue to rest in peace.
Evonne Perdue
August 4, 2019
Deepest condolences to the family . He was a great man and determined to excel in the film/tourist industry. Great job, Mr. Spivia. God bless the family.
Evonne R. Perdue
Mary Lou Flynt
August 3, 2019
My deepest sympathy to Ed's family. I had the pleasure of working at Lakewood Antiques in Sandy Springs when he was the managing partner.
Cathy House Hartley
July 31, 2019
Barbara, you and Ed made a huge impression on my friend, Tura, and me. You were both so kind. I so enjoyed getting to know you both. I am so sorry for your loss.
July 31, 2019
Enjoyed working with Ed as his banker while he worked at the Lakewood fair grounds . he was very proud of his sons and was a fun loving person. I am sorry to here he was sick and was lost at such an early age. May God Bless each of his family
Chad Kinsey
July 30, 2019
Thank you so much for all you did for our industry. The state has lost a giant and an icon. Much prayers for the family.
Liz Houser
July 30, 2019
Barbara,
Seeing Ed moving around Lakewood was one of my favorite memories. Ed was always so sweet and helpful . He loved my mother's painting and bought one as a gift for a friend/employee. He was just that way. Thoughtful, kind , warm. and a man I'll never forget, His illness was such a cruel way for Ed to lose his ability to interact with the world . Ed loved you & you truly loved Ed He'll be missed,
Love you Barbara
Liz
Michael Flowers
July 30, 2019
Ed spivia was a man who although he was a short man never looked down on others less fortunate than him,always willing to help those in need,and was a fun loving person who enjoyed others having a good time.many a fond memories of times spent with truly a great man.will be missed by all who knew him like I did.
Faye Wilcox Ledford
July 30, 2019
My condolences to ALL the family. I grew up in Murphy, NC with Eddie and went to school with him.
July 30, 2019
Ed was a wonderful person who loved the acting biz. We appreciate all the successful things that he made happen for GA. Because of You/Ed, your passion and knowledge you built a strong foundation for our current success in Film/TV Industry. Thank You, ED. You will be missed!!!
Teresa Roberson
July 30, 2019
Barbara, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this moment of loss. Ed will truly be missed. Teresa & Arnold Roberson. Pinnacle NC.
Edward (Mike) Thompson
July 30, 2019
Rest in peace my friend and leader.
Thank you for so many memories and prayers for the people who knew him.
robert drummond
July 30, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Missing Ed
Helen Casey Glover
July 30, 2019
Ed was truly a visionary for our state, he was also a good friend to many including me. We will miss you sir.
DONNA AUGELLO
July 30, 2019
Love to you and to your precious family.
July 30, 2019
Hello Barbara,
I am very sorry for your loss.
John Gormley
Earl Spann
July 29, 2019
Ed was the backbone of all films in Georgia in the 70s and currently. I knew him and will be missed dearly....
Mary B Turner
July 29, 2019
Eddie's mother was my mother's first cousin. Remember playing with Eddie and his sister in Murphy. We are the same age. Was a fun time reading about him and interviews. He was such a handsome boy and man. All the family were always so proud of him.
Dianne Butler
July 29, 2019
Prayers and deep condolences to all the Spivia family and wide circle of friends who loved and will miss him. This sweet man changed many lives, including mine. When he believed in you, he was quietly relentless to challenge and uplift you in the most positive ways. I thank God for you, Ed Spivia. You were a powerful Blessing in my life. ❤
July 29, 2019
I feel incredibly fortunate to have met and gotten to know Ed when we opened EUE/Screen Gems Studios at Ed's beloved Lakewood Fairgrounds in 2010. And I was even luckier to have had the chance to show him what we saved, renovated and created a couple of years later. All of us in the film and tv production business are here because of Ed, and his spirit will live forever not just here at Lakewood, but in our industry and beyond throughout all of Georgia. Barbara and family, we send much love and deep gratitude. Kris Bagwell
David Singleton
July 29, 2019
A true friend while I lived in Atlanta. I once told him to be careful what he ask me to do. Because if was something I could do I would with all my heart my Love to Barbara and all the kids. A lot of us are sharing your pain.
Deborah A. Arnesen
July 29, 2019
Having worked at the GA Dept Industry & Trade when Ed Developed the Film & Tourist Division was such a wonderful experience. Ed Spivia paved the Roads throughout GA & the South for Film Industry to flourish & put Georgia on the Map. Fabulous guy - I am sorry for the loss of Ed. Rest In Peace, Ed Spivia!
Ron Hudspeth
July 29, 2019
The '70s and'80s were great times in Atlanta and Ed was one of those who made it that way. Too many from that wonderful era are leaving us. Rest in peace old friend.
Autumn Bailey-Ford
July 29, 2019
What a man with a beautiful legacy. I am blessed I got a chance to meet him. He really help create what we all know and love today as Georgia Entertainment Industry. He truly will be missed but his legacy will live on forever!!
July 29, 2019
Dear Barbara and the entire Spivia family,
Our thoughts and sympathy are with you. We
will always have wonderful memories of all the fun years we had and the many people you and Ed brought together.
Love,
Carol & Paul Muldawer
Atlanta,GA
Joey Kelley
July 29, 2019
We will all miss ed what a great man and friend
Mark Stalcup
July 29, 2019
So sorry to hear this news. As an elementary and high school classmate of Greg's, I have often thought of his dad Ed ("Mr. Spivia") in recent years as Georgia has become recognized as the leader in film production. This was truly built on the shoulders of Ed.
All these years later, I still stop what I'm doing to watch "Smokey and the Bandit" whenever I run across it while channel surfing, and look for #10 in the football game scene.
My deepest condolences to the Spivia family.
Jay Koenigsberg
July 28, 2019
RIP my friend...
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