As the person who has known him the longest, Ed's mother points to his intelligence, caring attitude and work ethic. "Ed was always a really smart child, and he loved school," said Martha Lease. "I am so proud of him, in more than one way. He was always so thoughtful. When I was pregnant with Matt, I was sick all nine months. Ed was 16 and took such good care of me. He would mop the floors, get the kids together and make dinner, and he would leave school early to take me to the doctor."

Ed's work ethic started at a young age, and his generosity was evident even as a teenager. "Ed started working when was 13," said his mother. "His dad was in the hospital, and Ed was babysitting. He would come home and give me the money to help the family out. I put it all in the bank for him until he graduated."

Ed is the oldest boy in the family, followed by John, who is three years younger. "When I got to be 15, I was bigger than he was," said John. "So Ed would introduce me as his big, little brother. I just know that any time I needed him he was there. He has always been there for me and my brothers, Matt and Charlie - and he still is."

Many of Ed's friends first met him through his work at Atlanta Classic Cars. "Ed was one of the first guys I met at Atlanta Classic Cars, and he immediately took me under his wing," said David Smith. "That set the tone for a friendship that has lasted for 15 years."

His friend Bruce Lamb said "In the automotive business where things are not always quite what they seem, Ed is everything he seems - sincere, honest, and loyal. Having first met Ed in the business world some 10 years ago, I am honored that our association has evolved into a real friendship."

Jim and Carolyn Stapleton bought their first 450SL from Ed in 1987. "Now 16 years and five cars later, our friendship is very strong." They say that Ed makes every occasion special and is a professional with high standards. "Ed is a friend of integrity. If he commits, it happens."

Ed is the proud father of two children, and has earned their love and respect. "My father is just like a great friend to me," said his son Jonathan, 21. "No matter what is going on in my life, he is there for me. I am able to tell him anything, and whenever I need some advice he is there to help. He never looks down upon me and tells me everything will be all right. Another thing that I may not like right now, but will appreciate later, is that he makes me work for what I want and doesn't just hand me things. He is a hard worker and has done very well for himself, and for all of this I love him."

His 18-year-old daughter, Tiffany, said, "My dad has always been the biggest inspiration in my life. Even though he may be hard on me sometimes, it's only because he wants me to do what's best for me. And I will have to admit - everything he has stopped me from doing, he was right about. He has kept me out of a lot of trouble. I owe a lot to him and respect him. I appreciate everything that he has done for me and I love him with all my heart."

Ed has also won the respect and loyalty of his friends. "Ed is always is thinking of me, my well-being, and acts like a protective brother," said Lisa Patton. "I have dinner with Ed and Angie about four times a week! I admire Ed for his wisdom, his success. He is a trusted advisor for me and is one of the most caring and giving individuals I know. God blessed me the day Ed came into my life, and my wish for Ed is that he is blessed with as much joy as he has brought me."

Friend Jennilee Stults said, "Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. I am so blessed to have Ed as my lifetime friend! I love you, Ed!"

Carl and Tracy Young met Ed when he began dating Angie. "We were impressed with his personality and most of all, his devotion to our friend," Carl said. "We got to know him and his morals, compassion and professionalism were valuable attributes that earned our respect. We were excited that they had both found their soulmate."

The Youngs made many visits to Atlanta. "We never knew where the fancy Mercedes would take us - Mexico City Gourmet, the piano bar or a night on the houseboat. No matter where we went, it usually included Mexican food, margaritas, dancing and always a good time. "

His friend Chuck Fotheringham and son Erik, who is Ed's godson, also love to come to Atlanta. On one visit they cruised around town in a car Ed lent them. Searching for music, they found a tape labeled "Ed's Faves" and laughed until they cried when they put in the tape and heard "Hey, hey, we're the Monkees!"

Mutual friends Baran and Melissa Clements introduced Ed to Angie at dinner one night. "We ordered a drink at the bar and I announced that we were celebrating their engagement. We figured announcing their engagement to everyone would eliminate their embarrassment early on," said Melissa. "As you can see, it turned out very well."

Angie's father and mother, Richard and Janice Wisham, approved the match. "In the few years we have known Ed, we have grown to see him not only as a son-in-law, but also look upon him as a friend," they said. "There is no greater compliment than that."

And finally, his loving wife Angie feels blessed for having Ed in her life. "I prayed to God to send someone good into my life. He sent me the man with the biggest heart in the world," she said. "How many men would spend four days on a boat with his in-laws, and enjoy it? Or go to Las Vegas with my girlfriends and me. I am so glad I am married to the man I will spend the rest of my life with."

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