Eddie Nolen

Remembering the Life of SFC E7 Mr. Eddie Wayne Nolen, U.S. Army Retired, Vietnam Veteran Eddie Wayne Nolen, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many was welcome into the world on February 6, 1951, in Talladega, Alabama by his loving and devoted mother, Earline Nolen. Eddie's journey was one marked by resilience and strength. He embraced faith from a young age, uniting with the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he developed a lifelong dedication to his faith and community. Educated in the Talladega City School System, he graduated from Westside High School in 1969 before embarking on a distinguished 21½-year career in the United States Army showing determination and commitment to his country. His military career lead him in many directions after his enlistment in Ft. Ord, California serving with distinction in diverse roles including: Serving in the Vietnam War as a devoted Combat Medic from 1972-1973, National Registered EMT in California from 1974-1979,Platoon SGT in Germany from 1978-1982, Training NCO for HHC 44th Medical Brigade in Ft. Bragg from 1982-1985, Combat Medic Instructor '85 Advanced Honor Graduate in Ft. Sam Houston from 1985-1989, Equal Opportunity Advisor; 1990 Graduate of Department of Equal Opportunity Management Institute (Patrick AFB, Florida) from 1989-1992, and last, but not least, ultimately retiring SFC E7 on August 31, 1992 in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Eddie received many awards, medals, and badges including MSM, two Accommodation Medals, two Achievement Medals, Vietnam Service Cross with three Campaign Stars, and seven Good Conduct Awards. With education being a fundamental part of Eddie's life, following his retirement in 1992 from the military, Eddie returned home to the Anniston/Talladega area attending Jacksonville State University from June 1993 - April 1996, where he earned a bachelor's degree in social work. His second career with the U.S. Postal Service from 1998 to 2002 allowed him to continue his service to the community before retiring once more to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Known affectionately as "Eddie Wayne" to those who loved him, he was a man of compassion and kindness. His selfless spirit touched countless lives, with his wife Tanya often recalling him as the best husband anyone could have asked for. Eddie's leisure brought him comfort relaxing by the tranquil waters on the riverbanks with a fishing rod and reel in hand waiting for the big catch, and joy on beautiful green turf golfing, where laughter echoed in the gentle breeze. He found a sense of peace and contentment in pressing his luck with the slots and watching a good football game. His expertise in being a family man was unparalleled, earning him the reputation of a dependable husband, father, and grandfather. After a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to his family and country. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Mr. Eddie Wayne Nolen peacefully departed this walk of life and entered the heavenly realm joining his beloved mother, Earline Nolen, daughter, Alyssa Nolen, brothers, Willie Andrew Nolen and Charles H. "Main" Nolen and sister, Lois Nolen Curry. Eddie will be forever etched in our hearts and his memories will forever be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Tanya Nolen; son, Shawn Nix; daughter, Shanelle Nolen; grandchildren, Keoni Spears, JaKyiah Nix, Makala Raye Nolen, Jariya McKinley Nolen, Kemari Reynolds, KeAndres Reynolds, and Jermaine "Jo-Jo" Carter; great-grandchildren, Journee Nix, Nymeria Burnett, Addelyn Burnett, Remi Nolen, and Aiden Burnett; uncle, Willie (Lil) Nolen, Jr.; honorary daughter/niece, Andrea (Hugh) Morris; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom were touched by his gentle spirit and unwavering love. Eddie Wayne Nolen's love, kindness, and steadfast faith will be woven into the fabric of our memories, inspiring us as we reflect on his beautiful life. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory forever remain a blessing to us all.

Tributes

Eddie Nolen

February 6, 1951 - July 31, 2025