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Edward Talley Obituary
June 25, 1935 - June 3, 2023
Edward "Eddie" Garner Talley, a longtime Roanoke, Va. resident, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was 87.
Born on June 25, 1935, he was raised by Howe and Mildred Talley in Salem, and it was his days spent at the nearby Baptist Children's Home that provided his fondest lifelong memories.
After graduating from Andrew Lewis High School, he attended the University of Virginia on a football scholarship, then transferred to Virginia Military Institute as a pre-med student.
After his service in the United States Army Reserve, he taught chemistry at VMI and Jefferson High School, then co-owned a music store in Lexington before moving to Roanoke with his wife after the birth of his first son. He retired from Roanoke College in 2001.
He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, and love of learning.
Eddie was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 56 years, Caroline Oakey Talley; his son, Dr. Minor Christopher Talley, MD; and his infant daughter.
He is survived by his son, Edward Garner Talley Jr., Esq.; his daughter, Lisa Paige (Jon) Taylor; brother-in-law, Dale (Susie) Oakey; nephew, Jason (Lisa) Oakey; former daughters-in-law, Melissa Evans Talley and Kathleen Meilink; grandchildren, Laura (Kyle) Hernandez, Alicia Talley, Jack Talley, and Rachel Talley; and great-granddaughter, Valerie Hernandez.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregiving staff at Raleigh Court Health & Rehabilitation Center. Eddie spoke often about their attentiveness.
Per Eddie's wishes, a memorial service will be private. He will be laid to rest alongside Caroline in Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his name to the Baptist Children's Home, 931 Mt. Vernon Lane, Salem, VA 24153 or to a library of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.Oakeys.com.
Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service - Downtown Chapel, Roanoke (540) 982-2100.
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel.
2 Entries
Lew McClung
June 8, 2023
Sonny and family, I´m sorry for your loss.
Rhonda Bratton
June 7, 2023
A true Southern gentleman has passed. I worked with Ed in the Business Office at Roanoke College while I was a student. He was a wonderful man and I have so many fond and funny memories of my time there. He was extremely cautious of lifting anything due to back problems and as a result I had to go into the 'creepy' basement to retrieve boxes of paper, checks, etc., as he looked on, ever present coffee cup in hand. I hope his family knows how much he loved them and how proud he was of them all.
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