Harry Edward “Ed” Lemon, Jr., 80, of Brunswick County, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at Novant Health in Bolivia, North Carolina, just shy of his 81st birthday.

Ed was born on October 5, 1944, in Powhatan, West Virginia, to the late Harry Edward Lemon, Sr. and Lola Craft Lemon. He grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he attended New Hanover High School before graduating from Wilmington College, now UNC Wilmington.

A lifelong educator and leader, Ed dedicated 32 years of his career to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students. After retiring from education, he launched a successful second career with Herff Jones, building a thriving business from the ground up thanks to his knowledge, work ethic, and ability to form genuine relationships. His commitment to students and his community continued with eight years of service on the Brunswick County School Board. Ed’s passion for life extended beyond the classroom. A diehard baseball fan and avid golfer, he rarely missed his 7 a.m. Sunday tee time. Known for his sharp wit, generosity, and grounded nature, Ed was the kind of man who succeeded at whatever he set his mind to. Most importantly, he was deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy and the heart of his life.

He is survived by his children, Yarbi Petty, Trey Lemon, and Heather Broadhurst, and their mother, Joyce Lemon; his stepdaughters, Chrissy Flannigan and Stacey McCumbee, and their mother, Debbie Lemon; his sisters, Hilda Harper and Kathy Riggs; and twelve beloved grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Shallotte Chapel of Brunswick Funeral Service, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family asks that, in place of flowers, donations be made to Smart Start of Brunswick County (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/smart-start-donations-ensuring-access-to-quality-early-learning-opportunities). Following the service inurnment will be private at Brunswick Memorial Gardens Columbarium.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the ICU nursing staff and doctors at Novant Health. The care, compassion, and support shown to Ed and his family during his final days were nothing short of incredible and made the most difficult time more bearable.

The Brunswick County School District and the Board of Education will be honoring the life and career of Mr. Lemon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00pm in the West Brunswick High School Gymnasium.  The public is invited to attend this event. 

Services will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brunswick+funeral+service+live+stream