Edward “Ed” Aloysius Stec, 79, of Flintstone, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Lynda Walker Stec, and loving children: Ed Jr., Tim (Jenn), Leigh (Dwayne Leik), and Meg (Bill Harris).
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna (Sim) Stec, a brother, Joe Stecz, and Joe’s wife, Eleanor, all of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
In addition to his children and their spouses, Ed is survived by twelve grandchildren: Hannah Stec Miller (Titus), Tyler Day Leik, Walker Harris, Cade Leik, Raigan Stec, Shane Stec, Carter Harris, Owen Stec, Bryant Stec, Caroline Harris, Merritt Leik, and Houston Harris. Ed is also survived by three brothers: Charlie (Barbara), Bob (Pat), and Jim (Joyce); a brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Jane Walker; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ed was a 1960 graduate of Phoenixville (PA) High School. He was a star athlete on the football, baseball, basketball, and track teams and was inducted into the Phoenixville High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Ed was a scholarship athlete in football and wrestling at the University of Chattanooga and graduated in 1964 with a BS in Physical Education. Ed was also a bronze medalist in the National Senior Games with his team, “The Golden Boys.” Perhaps his greatest contribution to sports came from the many years he served as a coach, mentor, and friend to athletes at various levels—high school, rec league, AAU Junior Olympics, church league, and the Golden Boys—inspiring all to “Get Big Like Ed!” Ed taught physical education at Chattanooga Valley High School from 1964 to 1974. His larger-than-life personality really shined in his play-by-play commentating for Chattanooga Valley High School football in the 1980s (“Chad the Rad!”). He then sold insurance and real estate and was the owner/operator of Flintstone Fitness for twenty years.
Ed will be remembered for his competitive nature, sense of humor, quick wit, love for Alabama football, pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and devotion to his wife Lynda. His quiet generosity blessed numerous residents of the Valley and beyond.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed’s life at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, and the memorial service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in St. Elmo. Pastor Brent Smith of Flintstone Baptist Church will be officiating.
The family is profoundly thankful for the care provided by Holly, Liz, Carrie, Ben, Jackie, Jennifer W, and Chandler of Hearth Hospice of Fort Oglethorpe; caretakers Carolyn, Carmen, and Vickie; the members of Flintstone Baptist Church; many dear neighbors and former colleagues; and lifelong friends who loved Big Ed.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be very pleased if you would contribute to the newly established “Ed and Lynda Stec Scholarship Fund,” which will support a young person from Chattanooga Valley in pursuing post-high school education. To contribute, please mail checks to Flintstone Baptist Church, 121 Mountain View Circle, Flintstone, GA, 30725, memo: Stec Scholarship. To donate online, please visit https://gofund.me/0325f46e.
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