Edgar "Ed" Allen Vancil

Major Edgar Allen Vancil, Ret. United States Air Force, passed away peacefully at his home in Selma On June 2, 2012 after a lengthy and courageous battle with various health issues. While his many health problems certainly took its toll on Ed, it did not prevent his continued inspiration and support to all his family and friends, Ed fought valiantly until the very end and always had a positive outlook that one day his health would improve. This fighting spirit in the face of such great obstacles will always be remembered by his immediate family and friends.


Ed was born on September 5, 1931 in Rockmart, Georgia. He is the son of Ruth and Mack Vancil. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Virginia; father, Webster McKinley; mother, Ruth Hutchings and brother, Lowell Vancil.


He married Helen Virginia Broadaway on February 16, 1954 and together they raised two sons, Gary Vancil of Selma and his fianc?e, Kristi Englett, and Keith Vancil and his wife, Melissa of Senatobia, MS. He had four grandchildren, Mandy Vancil of Dawsonville, GA, William Keith Vancil, Jr. and his wife, Kristen of Senatobia, MS, Forrest McKinley and Hewston Cruise and one great-granddaughter, Kaylin Meredith, all of Senatobia, MS. His is also survived by his sister, Sylvia (Adrian) Bryant; brother, Karl Vancil and numerous nieces and nephews.


His military career spanned twenty years. During his career he was stationed in San Anglo, TX, Valdosta, GA, Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL and Plei Ku Air Force Base in Vietnam. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam. He flew eighty-five combat missions and accumulated one hundred ninety-eight combat flight hours. He was a jet pilot instructor and group flight commander while at Craig AFB. He also served as air operations officer.


Following his retirement in 1972 from the USAF, Ed was employed by the Alabama Sheriff's Boys and Girls Ranches, Selma Industries, Selma Apparel and the Dallas County Courthouse Board of Registrars. He officially retired in 2006. Upon retiring, he was able to devote more of his time to the Selma Elks Lodge and served as chairman of the scholarship committee for approximately twenty years. He was instrumental in helping many young men and women acquire college scholarships. He also served in other leadership positions as a member of the Elks Lodge.


He had special group of friends at the Lodge and always enjoyed getting together with them on Thursday nights for a game of cards. He continued his love of flying after his retirement and enjoyed taking his grandchildren flying on many occasions. He was a great cook, making "camp stew" every year, and sharing it with his family and friends was something he really enjoyed.


Another hobby of Ed's was restoring WWII era Willys Army jeeps and collecting WWII memorabilia. At the time of his death he was in the process of another restoration. He was also a huge Auburn fan and in the fall of the year you would find him watching many ballgames on television.


Ed was a lifelong American patriot, loving husband, father, and dearly loved grandfather. His tireless dedication and selfless devotion to his family will be cherished forever.


The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ed's caregiver, Mildred Calhoun and to his longtime home health nurse, Felecia Williams.


The celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Selma Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in New Live Oak Cemetery with Selma Funeral Home directing.


Pallbearers will be Keith Vancil, Jr., Forrest Vancil, Hewston Vancil, Ronnie Roberts, Johnny Osburn and Roger Goodman. Honorary pallbearers will be his friends from the Elks Lodge.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the BPOE Lodge 167, Highway 80 West, Selma, AL, 36701.


This announcement is made locally on behalf of the family by the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home.