Edward Alan Lion

April 30, 1947 - August 21, 2021
Edward Alan Lion

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EDWARD ALAN LION, 74, died August 21, 2021, at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare facility in Wilmington N.C. from complications resulting from a recent diagnosis of small cell carcinoma.

Alan was born on April 30, 1947, in Arlington, Virginia to the late Kenworth Elliott Lion, Sr. and Norma Dale Jewell Lion. He was raised in Manassas, Virginia, graduating from Osbourn High School in 1965. Alan served in Vietnam and later attended Virginia Tech University, where he received his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering in 1971.

After graduation, Alan began his career with General Electric in Schenectady, New York. In 1974 he moved to Wilmington and joined GE Nuclear as a Quality Engineer. During his years at GE, Alan was known for his honesty, integrity, engineering ability, and dry sense of humor. He retired from GE in 2002.

During his retirement, Alan volunteered annually as a local tax preparer for AARP VITA program. He enjoyed meeting the many people he helped over the years and looked forward to each new tax season as an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. He and his wife Jean also enjoyed travel with Alan’s sister Jo Ann and her husband Thomas. Alaska, Europe, and a Panama Canal cruise were among their recent destinations.

Alan is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jean Keels Lion, stepdaughter Summer Cavenaugh (Brian James) and his granddaughter Emily James, all of Wilmington, North Carolina. Also surviving are his brother, Kenworth E. Lion Jr. of Warrenton, Virginia, and his sister, Jo Ann Wolfrom and husband Thomas of Bealeton, Virginia. In addition, Alan is also survived by nieces and nephews Ken Lion III, Stephanie Lion O’Donnell, Mandy Williams Wehrle, and Dale Ann Williams Deal. Great-nieces and nephews include Jack, Max, Lexi, Dylan, Owen, Kylie, Ellie, Emory, Juliet, and Grayson.

In accordance with Alan’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held for friends and family at a later date due to current Covid concerns.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or the charity of their choice.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • August 05, 2022
    Leslie Ann Botts says:
    Alan and I were great friends in our earlier years. He was sweet and kind; a true gentleman. He was such a good soul; he will be missed by many who really knew him. I am lucky to have had those years with him in my life. Thank you Alan for being who you were:)

  • August 05, 2022
    Leslie Ann Botts lit a candle:
    Lit since August 5, 2022 at 8:27:16 AM

  • June 30, 2022
    Emily James says:
    Papa was my best friend and the best grandpa I could ever ask for. I love you papa and will forever miss you.

  • June 30, 2022
    Emily James lit a candle:
    Lit since June 30, 2022 at 6:20:14 PM

  • August 29, 2021
    Jim Howard says:
    Jean, I'm so sorry to hear of Alan's passing. Prayers for you and the family.