Edwin “Edd” “Dada” Wilbur Hauser, 80, died peacefully Tuesday August 9, 2022. He courageously battled dementia for many years prior to his passing and stayed faithful in his belief that he would one day again be made whole in heaven. Over his last days here, he was surrounded by his loving wife, Julia “Jukie”, his children and grandchildren, dear lifelong friends and the wonderfully caring staff at Springmoor Retirement Community where he and Julia have lived over the past two years.
Edd was born in Lewisville on October 2, 1941, to Wilbur and Doris Hauser, who have preceded him in death. His brother, Michael “Mike”, was born two years later and they always spoke very fondly of their wonderful childhood in Lewisville, sharing countless memories with friends and cousins, who were as close as siblings. Doris “Mom” Hauser loved her boys dearly - the Hausers certainly set a beautiful example of what family means for future generations. Edd graduated from Southwest Forsyth High School in 1959. It was here that he met and started dating the love of his life, Julia.
Edd went on to NC State University where he majored in Civil Engineering. He used his degree as a starting point for a lifelong career devoted to highways and transportation systems. Among many campus activities at State, he was a member of the Army ROTC and later served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. Edd was a Captain in the 815th Engineer Battalion and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He held those memories very close to him for much of his life but opened to his family and grandchildren about those experiences as he grew older. He used to describe his time there as “building bridges and watching them get blown up” but his years there were clearly formidable, and his entire family was very proud of his service. Edd would later receive a master’s degree in City Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his PhD in Civil Engineering again at North Carolina State University. The fact that he earned his doctorate while working full time and providing for his family of five continues to impress and inspire his family today. He remained a devoted Wolfpack fan throughout his days, pulled hard through every game but never let a loss get him too down. Edd worked tirelessly through the years both in academic appointments and private consulting positions. He spent the last fifteen years of his professional life at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as director of the Center for Transportation Policy Studies.
Edd set a wonderful example for his family and later grandchildren throughout his life of gaining as much education as one can, working hard, loving what one does and always being thankful for what one has. Above all of these life lessons he left, Edd always prioritized his family above all other things in his worldly life and valued his faith above all in total. He and Julia loved traveling and took their family on countless adventures throughout the years. His grandchildren marveled at his devotion to a highlighter and paper map on a trip to the Rose Bowl in California, years after one of them could have more easily found directions on a smart phone.
Edd loved learning and working hard. His children never once heard him complain about work. He enjoyed traveling, the mystique of the West, folding trash very neatly in origami fashion, making clicking sounds and other unique noises, and turning just about anything into a song.
Edd visited all fifty US States and countless national parks. Long before his dementia, he was also very good at losing personal items such as his keys or wallet and despite having a doctorate in engineering, making a real mess out of home improvement and repair projects.
Edd and Julia found their church home at Brooks Avenue Church of Christ after moving to Raleigh, NC in 1970. Together they raised their children at Brooks Avenue, served the church in many ways and were surrounded by dear and caring friends, brothers and sisters in their walk of faith. He was a humble, quiet, gentle man but his love for his friends, children, grandchildren, wife and his Lord was immense. Edd always took time to say hello to strangers. His warm and welcoming smile endeared himself to all of those around him. He will be deeply missed but leaves a legacy for his family that is both priceless and timeless.
Edd is survived by his loving wife, Julia, of 57 years, his children Michael and Lisa Hauser of Raleigh, NC, Kim and Stan Bennett of Ozark, MO, Justin and Joanna Hauser of Raleigh, NC and eight loving grandchildren - Harper, Rainer, Miller, John, Mary, Will, Graham and Anna.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edd’s honor to Brooks Avenue Church of Christ and Springmoor Retirement Community Endowment.
https://springmoor.org/a-welcoming-community/endowment-fund/
Services provided by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St.
DONATIONS
Springmoor Endowment Fund1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
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