Edward Kirkland Shelmerdine IV

Ed was born to Edward Kirkland Shelmerdine III and Elizabeth Lewis Shelmerdine on July 2, 1928 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ed spent his early years at George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1946. He attended Washington & Lee University. While at W&L, Ed and several classmates helped to start the men’s soccer program. Ed would return to W&L for exhibition games from time to time. Taking time off to serve his country, Ed was in the United States army from 1950-1952, and in multiple missions with the Merchant Marines from 1947-1953. Ed returned to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1956.

After his service years, Ed sailed on the sixth voyage of the 96-foot Brigantine “Yankee”, commanded by Captain Irving Johnson and his wife, Electa (Exy). Leaving from Gloucester Massachusetts in 1953, the Yankee and crew sailed around the world, to places that are not easily reached today. Ed shared his love of spear fishing with the crew, and his photography skills were invaluable as he helped to document the voyage. Some of the highlights were spending time in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sepik River, the Galapagos Islands, the Pitcairn Islands, and Pentecost Island. Several of his photographs of the Bunlap tribe participating in their land jumping rituals were published in the National Geographic Magazine.

In 1955, Ed met and married Gloria Caroline Lorenzon, and they were married for sixty-six years. During their lives together, Ed continued to be a mariner and adventurer with Gloria as his first mate. One of their most memorable experiences together was with their beautiful 42-foot Whitby sailboat, affectionately named ‘Limelight’. They enjoyed sailing and exploring the Chesapeake Bay for several years. In 1985, they embarked on a year-long cruise, down the intercoastal waterway and to the Bahamas, where they island hopped and entertained friends and family with shell-hunting, snorkeling and scuba diving in beautiful crystal blue water.

Ed spent much of his career at Boeing Computer Services as a systems analyst. He retired in 1995 and moved to North Carolina to be closer to his two sons. After retirement, Ed’s adventures continued, as he and Gloria took many trips, including to Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti.

Retirement provided Ed with time to be able to focus on his many interests and skills. A talented swimmer, Ed won multiple swimming awards in the Masters swim league while in his 50’s and 60’s. He could be found golfing with his friends and even strangers at the Jamestown Golf Course several times a week. He faithfully walked at least a mile every day. He was an avid stamp collector, and meticulously catalogued libraries of first day covers, butterflies and seashells. His fine carpentry and wood working skills were outstanding. When his 2 sons were younger, Ed built their bedroom furniture, iguana cages, wooden trucks, cars and toy cranes. In their last several homes, Ed built the most beautiful cabinets and shelves for their many books and artifacts that he and Gloria collected from their travels. And like he did for his sons, Ed also used his skills to build his grandchildren some of their most treasured Christmas gifts, including wooden doll beds, easels, personalized book shelfs, and cork bulletin boards. Ed’s game skills at bridge, poker, scrabble and every other card and board game were unmatched. The family often sat down knowing that they were no match for his skills, but his enthusiasm for games was contagious, and whenever he suggested a game, the table was full.

Ed is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Advance, his sons, Kirk Shelmerdine of Winston-Salem and Thomas Shelmerdine (Jan) of Greensboro, 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons will be providing cremation services. In lieu of flowers, please lovingly donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org - Chicago, Illinois.