Edward Joseph Tennyson, Jr.

Edward Joseph Tennyson Jr. went home to our Heavenly Father on September 29, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  He was born in Washington, D.C. on June 2, 1943.  Ed received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biological sciences from George Washington University.  He also did graduate work in oceanography at Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Ed served in the U.S. Coast Guard, with assignments to International Ice Patrol, aboard the USCGC Eastwind, and deployment to oil spills in the continental U.S.  He had a distinguished career with the Federal government, working on environmental issues related to oil and gas drilling.  He pioneered a burn technique for oil spill removal, and received a patent for his concept using side-scan radar to monitor oil spills.

Ed had a life-long love of fishing and the outdoors.  He fished in the Chesapeake Bay, the Florida Keys, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, hunting, and boating.  He was an expert helmsman, and could slide a boat into its mooring like a hand into a glove.  

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He was notorious for his riveting stories of his adventures in the Arctic.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pamela, daughter Carey Tennyson York, son-in-law Joe Dishun, daughter Laura Tennyson (Jeff), and beloved grandchildren Aron, Jacob, Grace, Sophie, Carter, Rebecca and Trey.  His mother-in-law Dorris Cogar, brothers and sisters-in-law Dave, Nancy, Todd and Sue will also miss his company.  Ed was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law MAJ George Anikow (USMC).

Ed was a giant presence, a resounding voice, a force of nature.  He was an honorable role model; a beloved friend and neighbor.  He was a figure larger than life, and leaves a void that can never be filled.

“For though from out our Bourne of time and place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.” …. Alfred, Lord Tennyson

 Godspeed, for this godly man.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemont Drive, Moneta, VA  24121. Pastor Phillip Bouknight will be officiating.    The burial of his cremains (inurnment) will take place 1:00 PM Monday, June 3, 2024 in Arlington National Cemetery. 

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.