Charles Edward “Ed” Lane, Sr., local, retired attorney, died on November 4, 2018.
Ed was born in Athens, Tn., on December 1, 1941. He was the son of James M. and Catherine Anderson Lane and was reared in the Chattanooga area and lived for three years in Florence, Al., which is where he became an admirer of Bear Bryant and a genuine fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Ed’s family consisted of one sister, Judith L. Gray and his nephews, Don, Troy and Tim; one brother, Gary M. Lane (deceased). Ed loved his step-grandchildren, Hunter and Haley Raynolds and Tierney Smith. He was also very fond of his step-great-grandchildren, Audrey Raynolds and Asher Smith. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Billie Slatten Lane; his son, Charles and grandson, Ned.
Ed returned from Florence, Al., to Chattanooga and attended Tyner High School. He graduated in 1959 and was presented the science award. He then attended the University of Chattanooga. Upon graduation in 1963 he received a B.S. degree in accounting and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following graduation from UC Ed was stationed in Fulda Germany from January 1964 to September 1965 as a member of First Squadron, 14 Armored Cavalry. During this time he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and was honorably discharged. Upon his return from Europe to Chattanooga, he was employed by National Life and Accident Insurance Company. He was promoted in 1986 to staff manager for Oak Ridge, Tn. Here, he met his wife-to-be, Billie Slatten of Louisiana. After marrying Billie he had one son, Charles Edward Lane, Jr. who presented him with a grandson, Charles Edward Lane, III. He entered the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Law in December 1969. When Ed graduated from law school in 1970 and passed the bar in February 1971, he joined Dan Massey in the practice of law. He and Dan practiced together until Dan’s death. After this Ed continued practicing until he completed 30 years.
Ed retired in 2005. He continued participating in his hobbies which included being a rosarian in the Tri-State Rose Society, an accomplished ballroom dancer and a hiker. He hiked down and climbed up the surrounding ridges and mountains in Chattanooga. In 1984 he and his family hiked through the Grand Canyon. In the 80s and 90s he and his family toured all 48 of the contiguous United States of America. He and his wife visited Hawaii and Alaska in 1993. Ed truly loved the USA and the Lord. He was a member of Oakwood Baptist Church on Bonny Oaks Drive where he served as a Bible teacher and deacon. His Bible class will serve as pallbearers along with his good friend Attorney Neal L. Thompson of Chattanooga. Ed was a member of Masons, Shriners, Scottish Rite and the American Legion.
The family extends grateful thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Erlanger med-surg 3rd floor and to Hospice of Chattanooga for wonderful comfort care in the latter days of his life. We encourage his friends to donate to Hospice in honor of Ed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel with a funeral service being held immediately after at 1 pm with Rev. Ken Clark officiating. Entombment will be held privately.
Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.