On January 12, surrounded by family, Edwin Lee Vaughan of Norfolk took his last breath to Maria Callas singing a Puccini aria. Born November 10, 1930 in Richmond to Roberta Carter and J.B. Vaughan, he graduated from Maury High School and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. In 1954 he married Alice Johnson and they raised their five sons in Norfolk. Following a long career in local banks, he retired as a branch vice president at First Virginia Bank, now BB&T.
After retirement, his days were filled exploring an ever-evolving deluge of interests and passions. He was a loving and gentle grandfather, great-grandfather, and dog father. He was a volunteer with the Virginia Opera, where he worked as a docent, production assistant, and occasionally donned full costume on stage. He was a runner, a voracious reader, a cinephile, and an appreciator of art and good fashion sense. He was a master gardener, transforming his backyard into a sanctuary for birds and his beautiful flowers. He was a collector and curator, who crafted a miniature museum filled with art and ephemera in his upstairs study. Eddie seemed to know everything about everything and loved to share his expansive knowledge with anyone who would listen (and you would be wise to listen).
Eddie is survived by his wife Alice, whom he was devoted to for 64 years; his sons and daughters-in-law: Mark (Martha), Bill (Barb), Eric (Maria), Russell (Pam), Karen Vaughan; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Joyce Bond; his dog Samantha; and nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Clay. Eddie will be remembered as a thoughtful gentleman, dedicated to his family, and an effusive storyteller with an all-encompassing curiosity for, and knowledge of, the wider world.
The service will be held at 2pm on January 19, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. You may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or the Virginia Opera.
