Edward Barlow

Mr. Edward Barlow entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Chaplinwood Nursing Home in Milledgeville, Georgia. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Union Hill Baptist Church. Interment will be private.

Today, we come together with hearts full of love to remember and give thanks for the life of Edward Barlow. Even before we knew him, God lovingly formed him and called him by name, as we are reminded in Jeremiah 1:5. Dad’s life was never by chance. Each moment was held in God’s hands and shaped with purpose and care. Though our time on this earth is brief, we find comfort in knowing that he was blessed with 86 full years and has now passed from this temporary dwelling into everlasting peace, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1). While we grieve his absence, we trust in the promise that he is now surrounded by a love that will never end.

Edward was the son of the late Mr. Willie and Carrie Fisher-Barlow. Of his twelve siblings, He leaves behind one surviving sibling, his youngest brother James (Beverly) Barlow, following the loss of his other siblings: six sisters—the late Annie (Rufus) McNeil, Cleo (Wade) Walder, Dorothy (Herman) Townsen, Christine (Fred) Coney, Minnie (Henry) Williams, and Carrie (Preston) Smith—and five brothers—the late Phelom “Bill” Barlow, Harold (Helen) Barlow, Robert (Maria) Barlow, and Jimmy Barlow, Eldridge “EL” Barlow—were called home.

He was loved beyond measure—a devoted husband to Alvie Barlow for 64 years; a protective and proud father to Teresa Veal, Glenda Jean Barlow, Tamika Brundidge, and Marquita Barlow; a loving father-in-law to Nathaniel Veal and Demetrius Brundidge; and a cherished grandfather to Brianna Veal, Monique Veal, Payton Brundidge, and Preston Brundidge. He was deeply treasured by his family. Dad taught us how to move through life with wisdom, treat others with understanding, and meet every challenge with courage. He always reminded us to put God first, take care of Alvie, stick together no matter what, lead rather than follow, never say we can’t do something, stay on top of our work—not under it—and never judge another person or situation until we’ve walked in their shoes. His presence, love, and guidance will be deeply and forever missed.

He held a special place in his heart for his late father-in-law, Mr. Bennie Pierce, and mother-in-law, Mrs. Alberta (Hodges) Pierce, as well as the Pierce family, who lovingly embraced him as one of their own. He shared a deep and genuine closeness with his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Melvin (Dorothy) Pierce, Wannie (Evelyn) Pierce, Iralene (Zeb) Betha, James (Wanda) Pierce, Ennis Pierce, the late Cleveland (Irene) Pierce, and the late Bennie Pierce, each of whom meant so much to him. In addition, among the most meaningful relationships in his life was the bond he shared with his cousins, nieces, and nephews—a connection rooted in childhood memories, family traditions, and a lifelong understanding that only close relatives can share. His life was marked by love, loyalty, and the lasting connections he cultivated with those around him.

Whether lending a tool, sharing a story, or looking out for others, he was the kind of neighbor and friend everyone could rely on. In our 242 community, he was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether sharing a laugh, offering advice, or simply being there to listen, he made those around him feel valued and cared for. His presence enriched our neighborhood, and his memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

With only a 9th-grade education, he left home at 15 to work in Florida and help support his family, returning a year later to care for his mother. He worked for several companies, including Ryan Logging, BP Lamb Construction, and Anglo America, where he retired in 1995 after 27 years as a Maintenance Foreman. After retiring, he owned A&E Auto Service and later maintained bus services for Washington County Head Start for 15 years. He enjoyed attending church, fishing, spending time with family and friends, grilling, watching classic Westerns, old tv shows, baseball, listening music from his youth, fixing cars, helping others, and traveling.

A devoted member of Popular Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville, Georgia, he was ordained as a deacon in 1973. He faithfully served the church as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry for 15 years and also held the position of Treasurer. His favorite scripture was Psalm 23, “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” and among his cherished hymns were “Amazing Grace,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “A Charge to Keep I Have.”