Edwin Maurice Chambliss, Sr. was born on May 26, 1965 in Emporia, Virginia. Edwin was the youngest of five children born to the union of the late James William Chambliss and Louise Johnson Chambliss. He was raised in Stony Creek, Virginia and educated in the Sussex County Public Schools. Edwin graduated from Sussex Central High School in the Class of 1983. He also took courses at John Tyler Community College and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1985. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas for a brief time.
Edwin had a strong faith and religious background. Even as a child, he was faithful in attending worship services at St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Virginia, along with his family. Edwin was an “outdoorsy” fella and enjoyed farming with his father and daily adventures with his siblings. He was always known as being a fun and loving guy. He always had a story or a joke to tell. Edwin was creative when it came to finding other ways to entertain family and friends. Later in life, Edwin was blessed with two beautiful children, Deva and Jeanette.
In the mid 90’s, Edwin met the love of his life and was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Tysha Addison on July 5, 1997. With this union the couple proudly raised their two boys, Christopher and Edwin, II “E.J.” After leaving Sussex County, the family moved to Salisbury, Maryland in 2003, where they made their own lifetime of devoted memories.
Edwin loved his God, Pastor, church, family, and friends. He joined Snead’s Memorial United Methodist Church and during his tenure he held the following positions: President of United Methodist Men, member of Church Family Day Committee, member of the Youth Scholarship Committee, and Ministry of Music. Edwin’s favorite scripture was John 3:16. He played the bass guitar at his own church and at Ebenezer Baptist Church where his godbrother-in-law, Rev. Milton P. Bunting is the pastor. His guitar talent was also cherished at St. Mary’s Baptist Church under the fond leadership (and close friend), Rev. Robert L. Nock. Edwin also served as a “fill-in” bass-man for the New Hallelujah Gospel Singers when he was available.
Edwin loved life! He had other interests such as cooking gourmet meals on the grill, steaming crabs, fishing, keeping in touch with classmates, provided musical entertainment, videography, and was mechanically inclined. He also loved football, so much, that he had two favorite teams, New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens (and yes, he had a jersey for each team). Edwin took pride in his attire, especially for church. He would start preparing on the following Monday, strategically coordinating outfits for he and his wife to wear on Sunday morning.
Edwin loved his neighbors and formed strong bonds of friendship with many. Whenever there was a need within his neighborhood, he would do his best to see what he could do to make things better. He performed such tasks as pushing ice and snow with his tractor, being a watchful eye while neighbors were out of town; shared his steamed crabs or bar-b-que, cut grass, and many other neighborly acts of kindness. There are so many comments and gestures that one could use to describe this wonderful man. He displayed a strong personality, but had a heart of gold, warmth, and set high standards of masculine integrity. Whenever communicating with close family or friends he would end the conversation by saying, “One Love.”
While in Maryland, Edwin had a strong work ethic. He worked many years in distribution of protective and safety equipment. Edwin was employed by Stauffer Glove and Safety (based out of Red Hill, Pennsylvania). He was the Distribution Manager at the location in Greenwood, Delaware.
In February 2016, Edwin was diagnosed with colon cancer and had several visits back and forth to hospitals from Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia for treatment. Tysha was always by his side for every appointment and procedure. A couple of weeks prior to Edwin leaving his earthly home, he told his wife that he was at peace and that he will always love her. Edwin was a fighter and on Saturday, October 21, 2017, Edwin’s battle ended, as he was in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family, including our devoted lifetime friend, Latasha Harris. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, William W. and Sadie J. Chambliss and maternal grandparents, Spencer and Adele Johnson, as well as nine aunts and five uncles.
Edwin is gone but his spirit will forever be in our hearts. As he would tell his wife, “Baby, I’m going to see what the end is going to be.” Edwin leaves fond memories to his loving and devoted wife of twenty (plus) years, Tysha Chambliss of Salisbury, Maryland; four children, Deva Goode of Petersburg, Virginia, Jeanette Alston of Mebane, North Carolina, Christopher Addison of Richmond, Virginia, and Edwin Chambliss, II “E.J.” of Salisbury, Maryland; two wonderful sisters, LaVerne Ford and Virginia (Lawrence) Grisham; two protective brothers, Calvin Chambliss and William Chambliss, all of Carson, Virginia; uncles and aunts, James H. (Jean) Johnson, of Prince George, Virginia, Melvin (Alfreda) Johnson, Hopewell, Virginia, Elise Johnson, and Francis Johnson; three nieces, Morgan, Alleah and Nikki; six nephews, Darrell, Brian, Sam, Mykel, Marquis, and Anthony; supportive in-laws, Charlie and Shirleen Addison of Melfa, Virginia; godbrother-in-law, Milton P. (Teresa) Bunting of Savageville, Virginia; godsister-in-law, Shonietta (Devery) Travers of Woodbridge, Virginia; goddaughter, Thailiah Travers of Woodbridge, Virginia; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin Maurice "Bass Man" Chambliss Sr., please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
