Edward A. Pollock was born on November 28, 1941 in Marianna, Florida to the late William Calvin Pollock, Sr. (“W.C”) and the late Rachel (Dickson) Pollock. From this union, he was the eldest male of 13 children. Edward was called home on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Doctors’ Hospital in Lanham, Maryland.
Edward, at 19, married Louise Long, and in their 58 loving and wonderful years together, they were blessed with three children: Darryl, Angela, and Gerthaline (“Toni”) and three grandchildren: Terrance Carter II, Mercediez Williams (Demetrius), and Darryl Pollock, Jr. and one great grandson: Khalil Williams.
Edward was known to many as Ed, Eddie, Top, Bossman, Sarge, Sargie, Sargie Dargie, Sergeant Major, Daddy, Pop, Daddio, Unc, Uncle eel, Uncle Sarge, Horseman, Bro, Big Man, Uncle Beard, Grand Pa, Grand Daddy and Mr. Sarge. He was witty, humorous, helpful, protective, and kind-hearted, which endeared many to him. He was our family’s dependable compass and steadfast supporter.
Edward was baptized at an early age and joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, in Marianna, Florida. He attended high school at Jackson County Training School in Marianna and graduated in 1959. He was smart and enjoyed learning new things, especially in his later years, when he was able to reach out to family and friends through social media. He enjoyed playing solitaire and happy colors on his cell phone, was an avid pinochle player, and liked to travel.
Edward was only 19 when drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for 24 years. He quickly moved up through the ranks as he easily handled details and had the skills to be a good leader. He was motivated, focused, and an effective communicator, and looked sharp in his uniform. While in the service, he attended both the University of Maryland and the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy and upon completion, he was promoted to Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank possible in the military grade for Non-Commissioned personnel.
Edward loved his country and willingly served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Berma Harpor, Germany; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Vietnam, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Okinawa, Japan; and at the Walter Reed Medical Hospital, Washington, DC. He was honorably discharged in 1985, after 24 years of service. After only a brief retirement, he returned to work at the Department of Human Resource within the Department of Defense. He worked another 24 years before retiring to spend more time with his large family and circle of friends.
Edward was highly decorated for his service in the military. He received several medals and awards, which included the Bronze Star Medal, a special distinction received for his bravery and heroism in the line of duty in the Vietnam War. Other accolades were the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Service Ribbon, five NCO Professional Development Ribbons, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm.
Edward was the family’s strong role model, and he graciously shared his knowledge and wisdom with all those who would listen, and even some who would not. He never missed the opportunity to inspire and educate others. He had a positive impact on everyone that met him and had the sensitivity to know how to touch you. He truly loved having his family and friends around him and drew great pleasure from having them as a part of his life everyday. He especially loved being a mentor to young people, offering his own kind of structure, guidance, and purpose.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from the sanctuary of the New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Gregory Gathers officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date. Local arrangements are entrusted to the professionals at Vann Funeral Home.
Mr. Pollock will lie in state at the church from 10:00 AM until time for the service.
Edward is preceded in death by his beloved parents, four brothers: Abraham, Robert, Reginald, and Blendell Pollock, and one sister: Lartha Pollock. His devoted wife, loving children, caring grandchildren, and special great-grandson deeply miss him. He also is survived by three adoring sisters: Gertrude Pollock, Earline Pollock-Lee, and Audrey Pollock-Smith; five steadfast brothers: William C. Pollock, Jr. (Brenda), Frank E. Pollock, Charles A. Pollock (Sherry), John D. Pollock, Sr. (Sonya), Thomas E. Pollock, and a host of caring nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives, military brothers, and friends.
