Edwin Greenlaw Sapp
November 8, 1938 — April 21, 2025

Colonel Edwin Greenlaw Sapp November 8, 1938 – April 21, 2025

Colonel Edwin Greenlaw Sapp passed away peacefully at his home in Owings, Maryland, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 86. His devoted wife, Jeannie, whom he had loved since grade school was with him when he died.

Born on November 8, 1938, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ed lived a life rich in service, scholarship, and love. He is survived by his beloved wife Jeannie; six children—Libby Knapp (David), Lori Adams, Suzanne Dammeyer (Patrick), Michael Sapp (Debbie), Holly Hitchcock (James), and Christopher Sapp (Laura); as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three of his children—Carol Anne, David, and Jon—and two grandchildren---Isaac Sapp and Tyler Sapp whose memories he carried closely in his heart. We take comfort in imagining their joyful reunion.

Ed and Jeannie were married on December 19, 1959 and were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple for time and eternity after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

A man of great intellect and deep faith, Ed earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1962 and later received a master's degree in liberal arts, with a focus on English, from Johns Hopkins University in 1973.

A heart attack at age 37 became a turning point in Ed's life. In that moment, he made a promise to God: if his life were spared, he would dedicate the rest of it to service. He kept that promise for the next 49 years, profoundly impacting the lives of thousands through his selfless work and unwavering commitment. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Ed served with distinction in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel and receiving the prestigious Legion of Merit. After retiring from the military, he continued to serve his country as an Intelligence Analyst through work with the National Security Agency, where he earned numerous honors, including the NSA High Quality Performance Award and the Special Recognition Award. Though he also worked with the CIA and at the Pentagon, the nature of his contributions remained, as he liked to say with a smile, "classified."

Ed was a born teacher—patient, inspiring, and generous with his knowledge. His love for learning and teaching endured until the final months of his life. He taught at various institutions and was recognized with multiple honors, including the Stanley J. Drazek Lifetime Teaching Excellence Award from UMUC and the Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award from Prince George's Community College. Above his office door hung a quote from Chaucer: "Gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche"— a motto he lived by.

Ed also found great joy in serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 1660 for nine years, earning 11 Unit Quality Awards and the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. From 1982-84, he served as the Second National Capital Area Council Varsity Scouting Roundtable Commissioner for the entire state of Maryland.

His commitment to helping others extended to a 16-year role as a Stake and Area Employment Specialist for his church where he helped individuals gain the skills and confidence needed for meaningful employment. He also served as a temple worker in the Washington D.C. Temple for many years.

A man of many talents and passions, Ed loved restoring vintage cars, writing textbooks, and sharing practical knowledge—from fixing a bike tire to crafting a résumé. He authored Writing for Managers and Managerial Communication for Survival (2024) and was a proud member of the Plymouth Owners Club and an early supporter of NASCAR.

Above all, Ed loved his family. He was endlessly devoted to their well-being and especially grateful for Jeannie's tireless care during his final year. "Pop-Pop," as his grandchildren affectionately called him, set a standard that, in the words of one grandson, "makes us all look like slackers."

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11a.m followed by a funeral service with military honors at 12:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 50 Clyde Jones Rd., Sunderland, MD.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/98873234167?pwd=a0QyNDZxSytoYSt5ZHpDRjhhblV5UT09

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