Edward Foster, Jr.

Edward Foster, Jr., 76, of Chattanooga, departed his earthly life on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in a local hospital. He was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” and “Uncle Junior” by his family. He was born October 3, 1948. Despite being the first class integrated into his school, Ringgold High School, he persevered and graduated in 1967. He went on to start his career at Dixie Yarns and was employed for 35 years. He worked his way up to a machine fixer at a time when no other person of color held that position. He was a very hard-working man and worked two jobs most of his life. He had a knack for solving problems. He was a handyman of all trades. He was a self-made plumber and electrician. You name it, he could fix it or build it. His favorite place to be was outside. He loved fishing, working in the yard, planting flowers, trees, and vegetable gardens. He had a green thumb and could make anything grow. He loved the Lord and was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Edward was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Mae Foster; dad, Edward Foster, Sr.; and brother, Walter Leon Strickland. He is survived and missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeanette Foster and will be forever cherished and remembered by his children, Tajuana (Antwann) Prater, Robert (Lisa) Wiley and Kelvin (Erica) Foster; sister, Peggy Jean Foster-Boykin; brother, James “Glenn” Calvin Strickland; grandchildren, Emily Wiley, Nicholas (Sara) Hobbs, Caiden and Christian Prater, Infiniti, Miyah, Jakeob, and Ayvah Foster; great-grandkids, Cali, Colbi, and Cori Hobbs; nephew, James (Val) Timothy Foster, Sr. who was a bonus son to him; nieces, Jennifer Boykin, Maleah Boykin, Nikki Burton, and Carolyn Ware; nephews, James Timothy Foster, Jr. and Tyrell Foster; family friends, Teresa and Cole Beard; best friend, Jerry Jennings; cousin, Jerry (Linda) McFarland; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Edward will lie-in-state on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon at the church with Pastor Todd Lansden, Sr. as the Eulogist. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.

Edward Foster, Jr.

October 3, 1948 - June 1, 2025