Raymond Edward Malott Jr.

1956 - 2022

Raymond Edward Malott Jr., 65, went home to be with the Lord on March 7th, 2022. His service will be held Friday, March 18th at 2pm, Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. This will be followed by a celebration of life at the Community Center at 137 Hwy 40 W. in Inglis, FL.

Ed, as he was preferred to be called, was born the eldest of a litter of 8 on the 8th of September, 1956 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. After several moves due to his father's service in the Air Force, he came to settle in to Little Rock, AR.

At the ripe old age of 18, he himself joined the Air Force and went on to become a Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman with the 4238th Strategic Wing, 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, Louisiana. The aircraft he serviced were the B-52's operated as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). His time of service was 3 years, and he was honorably discharged at the end of Vietnam.

While in Louisiana serving our country, using shrimp as bait, Ed caught a woman. And not just any woman. The woman. They fell in love almost instantly, and after a short courting period, they would come to be married. This marriage would withstand many storms, separated only by death after 45 years.

This woman, Susan, would bear 3 children for Ed: April, Matthew, and John. Together as a family, they would take root and grow in Dunnellon, FL. Ed worked at the power plant a short drive away, coming home each day to a quaint abode nestled in the middle of 10 acres deep in the woods. With a house full of children, a pen full of pigs, and a yard full of dogs, Ed was living his dream.

After his children grew and moved out, Ed decided that he wanted better conditions for doing what he loved most: riding his motorcycles. A shack in the woods is nice and private, but sugar sand and mechanical hogs just wouldn't work out. So he moved himself and Sue to the bustling township of Inglis, chocked full of creature comforts such as paved roads, a Food Ranch, and even a restaurant.

For 42 years, Ed worked for that power plant. With just a high school education, he was able to move himself up from being a lineman's gopher all the way to a Control Room Supervisor. His hard work and dedication were noticed and an inspiration for all.

'Ol Ed was truly a man apart. He minced no words, worked in the place of 3, had an endless catalogue of names, facts, and parables, and was just plain unforgettable no matter how large the crowd. Because of this he had many aliases, including Eddie, Mad Dog, Eddie Baby, or the Honey Badger. Others lucky enough new him as husband, father, son, brother, dad, grandpa, paw-paw, or friend. No matter what you called him, your life was impacted by his presence in it.

There has been a river of tears already since the news has spread of his passing, and it is okay to continue to let it flow in the name of healing. When that healing begins, try to remember that he built a sea of sweat- working and helping others, which in turn created an ocean of love and happiness throughout this world. If you wish to honor this great man, try to do as he would do. Pull over and help that stranded motorist, even if you're running late. Talk to that person who needs an ear, even if you're not fond of them. Drive that extra mile to see that friend or family member. Give, even if they don't deserve it.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Creda Baxley Sandlin. His wife's parents, Domenic and Peggy Stala. His brothers Mark and Kevin. And many others along his voyage through life.

Ed is survived by his wife Susan, his 3 children, his brothers Terence and Michael, and his sisters Cindy, Tina, and Denise. Grandchildren Chelsea, Charlee, Domenic, Faith, Victoria, and Caroline. Half-brothers Raymond and Brian. Half-sisters Kimberly, Tonya, and Bridget. Arrangements are under the direction of Strickland Funeral Home and Crematory, Crystal River.