Ed Salyers

Ed Salyers, 75, passed away on April 19, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born on August 26, 1949, in Carter County, Kentucky, Ed lived a life marked by dedication to his profession, devotion to his family, and a sharp wit that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Ed earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in public service. He spent over three decades as a Senior Employee Plans Specialist with the Tax Exempt and Governmental Entities Division of the Internal Revenue Service. In this role, he worked extensively with large case employers across for-profit, tax-exempt, and governmental sectors. His expertise led him to conduct audits on some of the nation's largest employers across various industries.

As a large case team leader for Employee Plan audits, Ed not only conducted complex examinations but also oversaw numerous audits throughout the Gulf Coast Area. His leadership extended nationally as he served as a technical advisor on cases across the country. A key contributor to policy development within the IRS, Ed played an instrumental role in drafting audit guidelines for 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans. He also served as the inaugural 403(b)/457 Coordinator for the Gulf Coast Area of the Employee Plans Division.

After retiring from federal service, Ed continued to share his knowledge and experience by founding his own CPA firm. Through this venture, he provided consulting services to employers navigating the same audit processes he had once overseen-demonstrating his enduring commitment to clarity and fairness in financial practices.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was a Master Gardener who found joy and fulfillment in cultivating beauty from the soil. Whether tending to plants or offering sage advice to those around him, he approached life with care and precision. Known for being loyal and quick-witted, Ed had an uncanny ability to reprogram television remotes so thoroughly that no one else could ever figure them out-a testament both to his technical skill and mischievous sense of humor.

Ed was a loving husband to Betty Joe Salyers, a devoted father to Stephanie Salyers Ivey (Charles), Merrie Ann Salyers, and Candice Leigh Salyers (Todd Boerger), and a wonderful grandfather to Stephanie and Charles's son Noah Harrison Ivey. He was deeply cherished by his family and will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Lorene Salyers and Henry Walter Salyers; and his brother Ronald Keith Salyers.

A celebration of life will be held with family and close friends in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire integrity, humor, and kindness in all who carry it forward.