Edmund "Ed" Gifford Wilde Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2021 in Fairfax, VA. He was 68 years old.

Ed was born September 22, 1952 in Pensacola, FL, to his loving parents Edmund G. Wilde Sr. and Janice Nellums Wilde Welles. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1970 before receiving his Masters in Building Construction from the University of Florida with a double minor in Computer Science in 1976. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and served as the University of Florida's mascot, Albert the Alligator from 1971 to 1976. Throughout his career he was an integral part of projects around the world, helping to build hospitals, hotels, resorts, rail systems, universities, and homeland security projects. Most recently, as a Principal with Parsons Corporation, he was involved with projects for the Architect of the Capital and Customs and Border Protection in Washington D.C. Ed pursued many interests from boating and landscaping to home automation and a fondness for pipe organs. His love of gardening and music was apparent to anyone visiting his home where island beats and tropical flora greeted you at the door. As a life-long patron of the arts and theatre, Ed performed in several shows during his youth and moved on to working with lighting and sound engineering for numerous stage productions. In his later years, he was a volunteer usher for multiple local theater groups and always had an extra ticket for anyone ready for a great show. As a highly spiritual and innately curious man, Ed sought a deep understanding of God's great universe and spent decades exploring the mysteries of the human mind and soul. His love of animals and people made him many friends from all walks of life. He was highly respected for his brilliant mind, incredible sense of humor, his love of family, and his ability to see and help those in need. His immense spirit of kindness and generosity carries on in every person he touched.

Ed is survived by his son, Edmund "Eddie" G. Wilde III, of San Jose, CA, his brother, Mark (Jackie) R. Wilde of Pensacola, FL, his former spouse and close friend, Joan Vandiver Covert of Wylie, Texas, many cousins, and his cherished night-blooming cereus plants.

A Graveside Service will be held 3:00pm Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Bayview Memorial Park, with Chaplain Jim Dietz officiating.

Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel will oversee the arrangements.