Edgar Vail

Edgar W. Vail, born on May 18, 1936, in Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully February 19, 2026, in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Before retiring to the mountains of Georgia, Ed was a dedicated nursing home administrator.
He proudly served his country in the Army, enlisting January 13, 1959, and attaining the rank of SP4.
He loved to tell stories about his youth and his younger years, traveling across the western United States, visiting state parks and sleeping under the stars before settling down and starting his family.
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, and a handmade dollar "ring" for everyone who crossed his path. He also loved taking long walks outside in nature, around the lake and through the forest of his neighborhood, hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail, taking bike rides on his ATV, 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. He loved to watch sports such as football, basketball and tennis on television.
His favorite hobby was reading, and he was a frequent visitor to the library, with his list of books he had finished in his bag so he could always find something new. 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 February 21, 2026, at 3 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.
There are no more miles needed to go, may he rest peacefully in the snowy woods that called him.
Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Edgar W. Vail.
You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.