Edward Lamar Sr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

LAMAR, Edward B., Sr. On Monday, June 6, 2011 Edward B. Lamar, Sr. (called "Lamar" by friends and "Brother" by family) passed unexpectedly at the age of 86. Born in Atlanta in 1925 he was the eldest son of the late Edmond and Ruby McCoy Lamar. Lamar spent his early years helping his father at the family store and concentrating on his education. He graduated from Booker T. Washington H.S. in 1943, briefly served in the U.S. Merchant Marines where he first began his international travels, and then continued his education at North Carolina A & T University, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Architectural Engineering in 1948. In 1950 he married his college sweetheart, Wilba Frances Harris of Camden SC, and returned to Atlanta. Lamar, considered to be one of the first African-American engineers in Atlanta, was unable to find a job in his profession in Atlanta. He and his wife moved to Portland, OR where he worked as an engineer at Bonneville Power and where his first son, Edward Jr. was born. Next they moved to Seattle, WA where he was employed by the Boeing Corporation and where his second son, Marshall, was born. Overseas travel and exposure to large projects was of interest to this young engineer and he took an engineering position with the Army Corps of Engineers (as a civilian). Lamar and his family spent ten years overseas, first in Karachi, Pakistan and then in Okinawa, Japan where he and his wife had two more children, daughters Shelley and Hilary. In late 1965 after gaining a vast array of experience on projects throughout the Far East he moved his family back to the United States. They settled in Silver Spring, MD while he was employed with the US Department of the Navy Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He eventually left the federal government and began a career with the Department of Housing and Community Development in Washington, D.C. where he served as Director of Engineering and Maintenance. While in Washington D.C. Lamar earned a Master's Degree in Construc tion Management from George Washington University. Eventually this native Atlantan began to feel the need to get back to his roots. In 1976 he was offered a position with Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) as an Asst. Director and returned to Atlanta. He worked for the AHA for several years before moving back to federal government as Planning Manager for Waste Treatment Facilities Water Management Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the early 1980's, after retiring from EPA, Lamar then went to work for the engineering firm, Williams Russell & Johnson, where he became involved in the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport expansion program. Shortly after joining WRJ, Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young appointed Lamar as Director of Planning & Development for the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation where he managed the airport development program for nearly a decade before retiring. Later, working with Aviation Consulting Engineers he continued to work on the development of Atlanta's Airport. Throughout his long and successful career Lamar gained many friends as well as respect from everyone he met. He was active in his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, in his community, serving on the Board of his homeowner's association, and in the Joymen's Club (the oldest African-American men's social club in the U.S.A.). His love of travel continued to his last days as he was planning a trip to the Caribbean with his children. He was known for his jovial personality and quick wit. His philosophy on life was "never to dwell on the negative" and he always had an arsenal of jokes ready for anyone willing to listen. He believed in the Joymen's motto "LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH." He instilled in his children the importance of education, professionalism, and personal responsibility. Lamar above all cherished family, immediate and extended. He was the family patriarch. He was a wonderful provider, a loving husband, a great father, and a great counselor and true friend to many, and last but not least, a great engineer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Wilba Harris Lamar, his son, Marshall G. Lamar, sisters Peggy Lamar Cantrell and Vivian Lamar Foreman. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Dr. Edward B. Lamar, Jr. of Powder Springs, daughters, Shelley A. Lamar of Lithonia and Hilary D. Lamar of Stone Mountain;, sisters, Edith (Lewis) Linsey and Rudine (Richard) Beneford; brother, Herbert (Clara) Lamar, all of Atlanta; brother-in-law, Willie (Lucille) Harris of Newnan; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all over the world. Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, June 13, 2011 at 10 am at Headland Heights United Methodist Church, 2147 Dodson Dr., East Point.. Rev. George P. Lanier, Pastor, officiating. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 9:30 am on day of service. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make contributions may make them to, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Education Foundation (a 501 C3 organization). Make checks payable to: Omicron Phi Lamdda Education Foundation, P.O. Box 91303, East Point, GA 30364. Viewing today 10 am - 6 pm and Wake this afternoon from 2 pm until 5pm. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Omega Service will take place at 4 pm. at Murray Brothers (404) 349-3000. mbfh.com