Edward Joseph Rooney Jr.

Ed graduated from St. Peter's Prep and St. Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey. While at St. Peter's he was a member of the St. Vincent's Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, VFW and the American Legion State and National Champs. During the Korean War he joined the Marine Corps Reserve and after Basic Training Parris Island and Quantico, VA he was commissioned a Second LT. and was sent to Camp LeJeune N. C. While at Camp LeJeune he applied for and was accepted for Flight Training. He was then sent to Pensacola Fl where he met the love of his life and future wife Nancy Mayhew. Ed was promoted to Captain during training and he earned his wings of gold and was sent to a Squadron in Cherry Point N.C. and then to the Far East where he served as a Regimental Air Officer and Fighter Pilot. When Ed completed his Active Duty he married Nancy and was employed as a First Officer with Trans World Airlines domiciled at LaGuardia New York City.

When he was later furloughed, he moved to Tallahassee and went to work at Rainey Cawthon Distributor. Ed enjoyed the people, Tallahassee and work so much he decided to stay here when he was recalled by the Airline. Ed became a stockholder, officer and owner of Rainey Cawthon Distributor where he grew the company with innovative ideas. Ed is survived by his wife, Nancy (Mayhew) Rooney; daughter, Kathleen Rooney; and son, Charles (Mary). Ed was blessed with three grandchildren: Ivey Rooney Yarger (Alec), Carter Rooney (Katie) and Sara Grace Rooney Slay (Luke). He is also survived by five great grandchildren, Michael Rooney, Luke Rooney, Charlotte Rooney, Thomas Yarger and Lucy Slay.

Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held June 23, 2025 at 5pm at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida. A private burial will take place at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Westminster Oaks and Big Bend Hospice for their excellent care they provided to Ed. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Ed’s memory to Big Bend Hospice.