ORANGE BEACH, AL YORK, III Edwin Gaillard York, III, 79, of Orange Beach, AL, passed away peacefully after a hard fought battle with cancer, on May 11, 2009. Born in Nashville, TN on July 18, 1929 to Edwin G. York, Jr. and Evelyn Crawford York. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, the mother of his children, Marelle Elliott York, infant son Glenn Elliott York, and a brother James A. York. Ed graduated from East Nashville High at age 16 and realized his life's dream of being a jet pilot when he was accepted into the U.S. Naval Flight Training program and was enrolled at TN Tech University for 2 years of pre-flight education. He had his flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station and earned his Naval Wings of Gold. During his career he was honored for leading his squadron to a national first-place in a firing and bombing competition. He was assigned to several aircraft carriers, including the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was commander for the Naval Reserve Squadron in Marietta, GA, and later attained the rank of Captain. He spent 28 years, active and reserve, serving his country. He graduated from the University of Florida, with a degree in Architecture and was associated with firms in Panama City, FL, Montgomery and Birmingham, AL, and finished his career as a Manufacturer's Agent. His specialty was designing and specifying commercial kitchens for large institutions. He is survived by his wife Gwen Weems York, Orange Beach; son Dale (Happy) York, Vestavia, AL; daughters, Susan (Sheldon) Perhacs, Springville, AL, Cindy (Pete) Farrior, Montgomery, AL, and Karen (Doug) Eddleman, Mountain Brook, AL; stepdaughter, Lynne (Tim) Ryan of Hyde Park, NY; stepson, Lew Weems of Springville, AL; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Norma) York, Murfreesboro, TN, Bill York, Nashville and John (Debra) York, Gladeville, TN. The family would like to give special recognition to Dr. Thomas B. Tan and all his staff, Dr. Nathan Floyd and staff, Pensacola Baptist Hospital, and all the 3rd floor nurses and staff and special nurse, Janie Quick, for all the wonderful, loving care each gave to Ed and to the whole family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Ed to the American Cancer Association. Visitation will be Thursday, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, 2551 So. McKenzie St., Foley. A private, family burial will be held at Southern Heritage, Hwy. 119, Birmingham.