John Edward “Ed” Starling passed away on his 91st birthday, August 13, 2016 following an extended illness. Mr. Starling was born in Miami, Florida to John Ivey Starling and Jessie Story Starling. While working as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Miami, he began working on his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami and graduated in 1956. He then began teaching at Baker County High School and after a year there, moved to Haines City where he taught and coached track, football and baseball for 3 years. During the summer months, he would travel to Wyoming where he would work on completing his Master’s Degree in Physical Science, which he received from Wyoming University in 1960. Mr. Starling moved from Haines City to Palatka in 1960 and then to Keystone Heights in 1963 where he resided for over 59 years. Upon moving to Palatka in 1960, Mr. Starling began his career as an instructor and division chair in the Science Department at St. Johns River Junior College. He retired from St. Johns in 1988. Although most of his career was spent as an instructor at St. Johns, “Ed” was also devoted in his study of the Scriptures and applied his in-depth study and knowledge as minister for the San Mateo Church of Christ during the 1970’s and with the Westside Church of Christ for 30 years. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters at the Westside congregation. In his leisure time, he enjoyed, gardening, playing the guitar and especially wood-working. He and his wife Louise had also enjoyed playing golf years ago.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to his beloved friends Terry and Carolyn Hardee for the watchful care they provided the past years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Louise Harris Starling, his brother, Earl Starling and his sisters, Ethel Starling Gordon and Mildred Starling Mason.
Mr. Starling is survived by a sister-in-law, Althea Starling, 11 nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great-grand nieces and nephews.
At his request, no services are scheduled.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Mr. Starling’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.