Captain Edward Carson Waller Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully at the age of 74, on June 23, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, surrounded by his loving children.
Ed was born on May 23, 1952, in Washington, D.C. He was affectionately known as Ed, Big Dad, Granddad, Kit, Skipper, and Sea Daddy by the many people who knew and loved him.
Ed shared 46 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Penny Ann Green Waller. Their love-at-first-sight story flourished through the years, and their legacy will continue to shine through their children and grandchildren. Ed considered loving Penny and raising their three children—Jennifer, Kelly, and Ed III—to be his greatest accomplishment and joy.
Those fortunate enough to know Ed knew him as a man deeply devoted to his family and community. He was outgoing, never met a stranger, and had a kind and welcoming personality that was infectious.
Ed graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1974, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He continued his education at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he graduated with distinction, earning a Master of Science in Systems Technology.
Ed dedicated 25 successful years to the United States Navy as a P-3 pilot. His assignments included Command of Patrol Squadron 49—known as the “Woodpeckers”—and served as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Barbers Point in Oahu, Hawai‘i, along with many other memorable tours. His military decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Ed and Penny settled in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. There, he began a second career as a financial advisor, continuing in that profession until his retirement in 2022.
Ed was an active member of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Club—proudly known as “The Best Rotary Club in the World”—and served as its president from 2006 to 2007. He was also a devoted parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Ed will be remembered for his infectious humor, sage advice, helpful nature, approachable demeanor, warm personality, and charming smile.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Joe, and their children, Carson and Andrew; his daughter, Kelly and her husband, Bilal, and their children, Makai and Senna; his son, Ed, and his wife, Savannah; his sisters, Peggy Wilckens and Robin Marrah; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny Ann Green Waller; his father, Edward Waller Sr.; his mother, Margaret Gelly; and his sister, Krissy Waller.
Rest in peace, Ed. Your spirit will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach.
A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will be held at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082.
