July 19, 2026, 92, Goldsboro – Charles Edward “Ed” Widener, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), 92, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Born in Widener’s Valley, Virginia, he was the son of the late Hunter Preston Widener and Cora Marie McVey Widener.
Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Fannie Parker Widener. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Hunter Widener and Jimmy Widener, and his sister, Carol Marie Widener.
He is survived by his son, Jeff Widener (Laura); his daughter, Stephanie Dawn Widener (Ron); his sister, Betty Boyd; and several cherished nieces and nephews.
Ed devoted 28 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Serving in electronic communications, his military career took him around the world with assignments in Libya, Iceland, Hawaii, Greece, and England. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he continued serving his country for another decade as a Civil Service employee with the Naval Security Group in Washington, D.C.
A firm believer that learning should never end, Ed pursued higher education while serving on active duty, earning both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business degree. His curiosity and love of knowledge remained with him throughout his life. He found great enjoyment in landscaping and gardening, studying European history, exploring mechanical engineering, and working on automobile electronics and mechanics. Whether tending his yard or solving a mechanical challenge, Ed approached every task with patience, precision, and a desire to understand how things worked.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in Willow Dale Cemetery in Goldsboro with full military honors being rendered by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Honor Guard. Pastor Ronnie Heath will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery. Ed will lie in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to WAGES (Meals on Wheels) or Liberty Pentecostal Holiness Church.
The family is grateful for the love, prayers, and kindness shown during this time as they remember a devoted husband, father, brother, veteran, and lifelong learner whose legacy of service and quiet strength will be treasured by all who knew him.
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