Edward L. Lormand, 88, of Fernandina Beach passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Warner Center for Caring.

Born in Abbeville, LA and raised in Crowley, LA, he was the son of the late Oscar and Thelma Landry Lormand. He served his country on active duty in the U. S. Navy from 1954 until 1958 and continued as a member of the Navy Reserves for another four years.

He attended and graduated from the The Julliard School of Music in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in clarinet performance. After graduation from the The Julliard School he received a graduate teaching assistantship at Florida State University, School of Music. He received a Master of Music with a major in clarinet in 1965. In that same Mr. Lormand joined the faculty of Dekalb College (now part of Georgia State University) where he taught woodwinds and music theory. Through his 26 year career he influenced many young lives through his dedication to his craft of music education. He retired in 1991.

His career in education allowed him to spend many summers in Fernandina Beach and follow his passion for sailing. He was an accomplished sailor of note. In 1977 he sailed his sailboat, the “Lormand’s 2nd Folly” non-stop from Fernandina Beach to England singlehanded. As part of his adventure, he took with him a gift from Georgia’s governor, George Busbee, to Queen Elizabeth in honor of her Silver Jubilee. That sailing adventure led he and his wife, Fran, to write a book, “How to Sail the Atlantic Alone” that was published by the David McKay Company in New York.

His sailing adventures did not end there. At the conclusion of his initial visit to England, rather than sailing back to the States, he and his wife decided to leave the sailboat in England. In the succeeding five years they returned to England in the summers and sailed the coast of Europe visiting the Channel Islands, Spain, France, Portugal, the Canary Islands and the coasts of England and Ireland. Some six years later he and wife sailed a return voyage to Fernandina Beach.

As part of his life in Fernandina Beach he was a charter member of the Amelia Island Sailing Club and a longtime member of the Fernandina Beach Men’s Golf Association.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Gale Lormand.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 64 years, France Spear Lormand of Fernandina Beach.

After cremation and in keeping with his wishes, his ashes will be taken to sea by the U. S. Navy where they will be scattered with military honors.