Mr. J. Edward Schooler Sr.

John Edward "Ed" Schooler, 71, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, surrounded by his family at home. Born in Georgetown, SC, Ed was a son of the late Alfred Benjamin Schooler, Sr and Lois Inman Schooler. He grew up in Georgetown and graduated from Winyah High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of South Carolina. Columbia became his home, where he built a life of faith, family, and service.
Ed devoted his career to civil engineering, focusing on municipal and industrial wastewater projects, planning, and regulatory compliance. He was a Past President of the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) and an active member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF), among other professional organizations. Ed retired as Deputy Director of the East Richland County Public Service District in 2024, capping a long career of serving coworkers, clients, and communities through his work.
Ed came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ in his thirties. Ed would want everyone to know the love and grace of Christ that guided his life and was the source of his hope. Ed was involved as a Deacon and in other ministries including the Sports and Children's Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia. In 2012 he and Lynn helped plant Grace Presbyterian Church in Northeast Columbia where he contributed in many capacities, including "roadie" duty. Later, he served as an Elder at Grace Presbyterian and was also on the Missions Committee. Ed was instrumental in forming a Trail Life troop at First Presbyterian, providing boys with opportunities to develop adventure, character, and leadership in a gospel-centered environment. He remained an active and dedicated Chair of the Trail Life Board.
Eddie and Lynn began dating while she was in high school and married after college at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC. They were married for 48 years. Ed was loving father to Katherine Anne Schooler Tsai (Phillip Juinpo), John Edward Schooler Jr. (Cheryl Dianne), and William Waters Schooler (Lindsay Rae). His five grandchildren-John Edward "Jay" Schooler III, Rosie Rae Schooler, Daniel John Schooler, Janie Frances Schooler, and Benjamin Marin Schooler-brought him endless joy. He cherished time spent with them, always finding new ways to entertain and spoil them. Ed also shared close bonds with his siblings, Alfred Benjamin Schooler, Jr., Raymond Reed Schooler, and Mary Ann Schooler Owens, their spouses, a sister in law Karen Waters Sullivan, nephews and nieces, as well as numerous first cousins and extended family.
Ed was a study in contentment and humility, never seeking recognition but always stepping up to serve. Known for his wit and steady demeanor, he truly enjoyed bringing people together (e.g., Sometimes First Saturday Walkers or the Midlands Round Table with his fellow utilities colleagues). Whether coaching his children's sports teams, attending their games and performances, or crafting the perfect cocktail for Lynn, his daughter, and daughters-in-law, Ed embodied devotion and care in everything he did.
An avid Gamecock fan, Ed and Lynn rarely missed a home football game and delighted in watching South Carolina sporting events together. His consistent presence and gentle humor made him a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at Columbia Presbyterian Church at 1700 Huger St, Columbia, SC at 1:00pm Wednesday December 4. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Presbyterian Church Missions or Trail Life USA, reflecting Ed's deep commitment to service and ministry.
Ed will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of faith in Christ, love for others, and quiet strength will live on in the lives he touched.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.