Edgar W. Vail

Edgar W. Vail, born on May 18, 1936, in Plainfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Blue Ridge, GA. Before retiring to the mountains of Georgia, Ed was a dedicated Nursing Home Administrator. He proudly served his country in the Army, enlisting on January 13, 1959, and attaining the rank of SP4. He loved to tell stories about his youth and his younger years.

Ed is survived by his five beloved children, Timothy Vail, Tama Baran, Belinda Callahan,Tiffany Moore, and Melissa Montgomery. He was family-focused, cherished his role as a father and grandfather, and left behind a legacy that includes grandchildren Janetje Montgomery, Zachary Vail, Lauren Hathcock, Helen (Nellie) Baran, Tessa Baran, Juliette Baran, Savanna Leach, Matthew Moore, Noah Callahan, Jayna Moore, and Josephine (Josie) Moore, as well as five great-grandchildren: Levi Vail, Elle Vail, Brielle Hathcock, Hudson Hathcock and Lincoln Edgar Leach. He is also remembered fondly by his sons-in-law Christopher Baran, James Moore and Todd Callahan.

A gentleman and a gentle man, Ed/Dad/Pop was a lover of nature, often to be found looking out a window or reading a book near one. He was a romantic, with a kind word for everyone who crossed his path. He loved to watch football and basketball on television. He also loved to be outside, taking bike rides on the ATV, walking around his neighborhood, hiking the Benton McKay Trail, or just sitting by the pond with a book (he even had a little bird come to rest on him once). Ed also had fun playing games with his girls almost every day, listening to music of his generation, especially the Bridge, but could surprise you with lyrics from more current songs. More than anything, he loved his family with his whole heart and will forevermore.

Family gathered to pay their respects at the burial, which was held at Crestlawn Cemetery in Copperhill, Tennessee on February 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Ed's memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the genuine privilege of knowing him.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Vail and Janetje Vail, his brother and twin sisters. He was also preceded in death by his one true love, his wife, Linda Vail. Family has faith that they are together once again.