Edward F. Defourneaux, Jr. was called home to heaven on October 14th, 2026 after living with Parkinson's. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Ed was a devout Catholic who lived his life rooted in his faith and shared his love and service to others. He was always full of life and energy doing something and did not sit still for very long. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome . No matter where he went , he was always ready to share a smile and start a conversation and made anyone he talked to feel like he had known them for years. He did not judge anyone by their appearance, but by the quality of their character. He spent a great deal of his time participating in Mass as a Eucharistic Minister, attending adoration, volunteering at church and with the Knights of Columbus. He was always active with the annual Turkey Day Run sponsored by the Knights of Columbus each year. He was generous with his time and talents with anyone that needed the help. He was always proud to be a veteran of the United States Navy and his service to our country. He always made sure to be present in the lives of his children and granddaughters as much as he could. When possible, he and Viola were at as many soccer games, dance recitals, orchestra or band concerts, birthdays and graduations. When he wasn't busy with other things he was devoted to his wife, Viola, and enjoyed doing several different activities with her through the years. He took care of her needs until his health would no longer allow him to.

Edward was born in San Diego, CA on June 28, 1945 when his father was stationed there in the Navy. The family then relocated to Metairie, LA outside of New Orleans where Ed grew up. He went on to join the U.S. Navy in May of 1963 and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Roosevelt. He came home and married his wife,Viola, and settled on James Island and they became active members of Nativity Catholic Church. He continued to serve in active duty until he was medically discharged in October of 1973. Edward went on to work as a civil servant at the Charleston Naval Shipyard painting ships and submarines until the base closed in April 1996. Even then, Ed never truly retired. He went on to run a lawn care business and work various other jobs until he was advised not to work by his doctors.

Edward is survived by his children : Nicole DeSantis of Myrtle Beach, SC and Edward Defourneaux III of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by granddaughters Abigail, Rebecca (fiancé Jon Draize), and Alita DeSantis, his sister Mary (Dan) and brother John (Lynn) ,as well as several nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who were like family.

He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife Viola, his infant son Thomas, his parents, and his sister Elizabeth.