George E Sansbury

LEXINGTON - A Celebration of Life service for George Edward "Ed" Sansbury, 64, of Lexington, will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm. Friends will be received directly after the service in the church foyer. The Sansbury Family invites attendees to dress in casual attire in honor of Ed.

Born in Charleston, Mr. Sansbury was the son of the late Allen Jefferson Sansbury and Ada June Atkinson Sansbury. Ed spent most of his childhood in Florence but eventually returned to Charleston during his teenage years. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea before being honorably discharged in 1972. Mr. Sansbury joined his brother Ray in Columbia in 1974 to build what is now Sansbury Eye Center. A respected businessman in his community, Ed faithfully served as Vice President/Co-Owner of SEC for more than 30 years. He was a member of the American Board of Opticians and the South Carolina Association of Opticians.

Ed’s fun-loving spirit, kind nature, and infectious laugh touched all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest, usually in the company of family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and the great outdoors. He particularly loved the game of golf, fresh and salt-water fishing, horticulture, and boating on Lake Murray. He was a big fan and avid supporter of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Ed was diagnosed with ALS in 2009 and bravely fought the disease for seven years. All that knew him were touched and inspired by his courageous attitude, enduring faith, generous heart, and beautiful smile. Ed peacefully passed into Heaven on Monday, February 15, 2016 from his Lake Murray home, with family by his side.

Mr. Sansbury is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver, Mary Sansbury; loving children, Jennifer (Artie) Greene, Natalie (Craig) Patton, and Ryan (Lilyann) Sansbury; beloved grandchildren, Garrett Greene, Eden Patton, Sydney Sansbury, and Hailey Sansbury; his dedicated brother, Ray Sansbury and sister-in-law, Betty Sansbury; In addition, remaining are three very special stepchildren and several very special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Association or The Wounded Warrior Project.

The family wishes to thank Ed's extended family and many friends for the love and support they have generously provided over the years. Special thanks are also extended to his home care team, the compassionate members of Homestead Hospice, his best friend Darrell Hudson, and the amazingly generous and loving people of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.