Edward Floyd Tabor III

Ed Tabor of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024, surrounded by family.

The first of four siblings, Ed was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Edward and Mary Nash Tabor. Upon graduation from the University of Richmond in Virginia, Ed traveled the world as a Naval Aviator and commercial airline pilot.

During the Vietnam War, Ed flew the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior for the United States Navy in combat missions from aircraft carriers. After his tour of duty, Ed flew as a test pilot for Raytheon Missiles and Defense at White Sands Missile Range in Alamogordo, NM, and retired from the United States Naval Reserve.

Always engaged in study and reflection, Ed was an avid reader, classical musician, contract bridge enthusiast, accountant, and was fascinated by the medical science that extended his life by ten years.

Ed will always be regarded for the joy he found through his family. His most cherished roles were as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be fondly remembered for encouraging his grandchildren to honor and respect "The Three M's; Mozart, Mathematics, and Mom." 

Robert Race (friend and brother-in-law) wrote of Ed, "Time passes and life goes on. As our bodies break down we make room for those who follow. The wide-eyed innocence of the very young was something Ed understood, so he held each baby in the family and considered each to be something precious, hogging the little ones, reveling in their newness. The children completed Ed's life."

Ed leaves behind a large extended family including his wife Judy, son Edward Brent Tabor (Kaylee) of Mount Pleasant, daughters Kimberly Woodard (Jeffrey) and Heather Merodio (Jorge), brother Michael Tabor (Judi), sisters Nancy Caudle and Susan Inabinett, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Ed and his family were grateful for the care and treatment provided by the staff of the Medical University of South Carolina. In memory of Ed, donations are appreciated for supporting lifesaving cancer research at Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC.

https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/giving 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society, 5638 N Rhett Ave, Charleston, SC 29406, 843.722.2555.