Edward Shinault Ferrell Sr.

Edward (Ed) Shinault Ferrell Sr., Captain USNR (Ret.), age 92, of Destin, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2026. He often said that faith is a strong foundation for life, and he built his life upon it.

Ed was born on April 24, 1933, in Austell, Georgia, to Herbert and Emily "Maud" Shinault Ferrell. From an early age, his character was marked by faith, discipline, and determination. At just fifteen years old, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout - an achievement that reflected the leadership and perseverance he carried throughout his life.

He graduated from Henry Grady High School in Atlanta in 1951 and went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1955. While at Georgia Tech, he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, forming friendships that lasted many years.

That same year, he began active duty in the United States Navy. He served from 1955 to 1960, including as an instructor at Glynco Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Georgia, and aboard two ships. His commitment to service continued in the Navy Reserves for another twenty-five years, ultimately retiring with the rank of Captain - a role he carried with quiet strength and integrity.

In 1957, he married Constance M. (Kull) Ferrell. Connie was a devoted and supportive wife who stood beside him as he built his career and lovingly raised their three sons. Together they shared many happy years, enjoying time at Lake Logan Martin and traveling. He was widowed in 1998.

In 2000, Ed found love again when he married Sandra R. (Cunningham) Ferrell. With Sandy, he embraced life fully - traveling, motor-homing, and boating, creating joyful memories along the way. He was widowed again in 2018.

Ed's professional life was marked by leadership and service. In 1960, he established the Industrial Engineering Department at the University of Alabama–Birmingham. While working, he pursued graduate studies and earned a Master's degree in Health Care Administration in 1966. He went on to serve as Assistant Administrator at St. Vincent's Hospital and later as President of the Birmingham Regional Hospital Council for fifteen years. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Hospital Association and of the National Fire Protection Association Healthcare Section. Later, he joined The Children's Hospital as an Associate Administrator. Before retiring in 1994, he owned and operated Utility Analyst Inc., a small Birmingham business he later sold.

Though his accomplishments were many, his faith remained central to his life. A Christian since the age of twelve, Ed deepened his service to God in retirement. He and Sandy were members of the Destin Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for benevolence and as a home group leader. Through that service, he learned - and often reminded others - that any of us can find ourselves in need of help. In 2018, he joined Destin Methodist Church, where he continued to use his gift of encouragement to lift and strengthen others.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert L. Ferrell Sr. and Emily "Maud" Shinault Ferrell; his beloved wives, Constance and Sandra; his siblings Laurencine Freeman, Herbert Ferrell Jr., and Grace Garnett McClure; and his son, M. Bruce Ferrell, MD.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Ed (Charlene) Ferrell Jr. and M. Scott Ferrell, MD; his grandchildren, Britany Ferrell and Blayne Ferrell; and his great-grandchildren, Sunny Ferrell and Cooper Arp.

He is also survived by Sandy's children, Kim (Daniel) Mirelman, Lyman (Cathy) Cunningham Sr., and Brian R. Cunningham, along with seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren on her side of the family.

Ed was blessed with many wonderful caregivers. Special gratitude is extended to Jenna Carter and Denise Parker for their dedication and loving care of Ed.