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Edward “Ed” Gove, Jr.

Edward “Ed” Gove, Jr., 93, died at The Aspen assisted living community in Brookhaven, MS, on January 20, 2022.

In addition to being a kind, generous, and widely respected businessman, philanthropist, and volunteer,

Ed was a loving husband to Jan Gove for 65 years, and a devoted father and grandfather to his beloved family.

He loved spending time with his family and fondly remembered many vacations spent in Bath, ME, Ocean City, NJ,

and Fort Walton Beach, FL. He was a lifelong trainspotter, model railroader, and train travel enthusiast,

having crisscrossed the country countless times by train. He also loved animals, rooting for Ole Miss, puzzles, caramel corn,

New Jersey cinnamon buns, card games, root beer, and listening to big band music.

Ed attended the University of Delaware and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he came home to Vineland, NJ,

to work for the family business, Hartley Gove Sons Thermometers. The company had been founded by Ed’s grandfather, Hartley Gove, in the late 1800s.

Hartley was a glassblower who had previously worked on the development of the lightbulb under Thomas Edison. In 1957,

Ed relocated with Jan and their young children to Brookhaven, MS, where he opened a second factory for the business.

The plant would later become the global headquarters with Ed at the helm of the whole company. Under his leadership,

the business became one of the world’s largest of its kind. He continued to manage Hartley Gove Sons well into its third century,

until his retirement in 2019 at the age of 90.

Known for being gentle and soft-spoken, Ed was widely liked and respected by employees, customers, and friends alike.

He believed in treating everyone with dignity and respect, and always put the needs of others before his own.

He valued goodness and doing the right thing above all else, and he gave generously to others in every way that he could.

Along with his wife, Ed helped to make the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) what it is today.

In addition to his direct involvement over a period of 35 years — volunteering, donating, fundraising, rescuing,

and personally housing dozens of animals in his home — he also helped the organization secure property and build a permanent,

modern facility that has helped save the lives of thousands of animals.

Ed was a man of deep faith. A lifelong Presbyterian, he volunteered at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven for over 60 years,

where he served as a deacon. He also served on the board of French Camp Academy, a Christian school for children from troubled homes,

for 34 years. Upon his retirement from the board in 2014, he was recognized by the school for his role in helping to build numerous buildings,

as well as the Camp of the Rising Son complex, in addition to numerous other accomplishments during his tenure.

Edward Gove, Jr. was born on November 29, 1928 in Landis Township, NJ (later incorporated as Vineland, NJ) to Edward Gove, Sr. and Ethel E. Downing Gove.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Janice Louise Jaggers Gove; his six children and their spouses: David Jay Gove, Dianne Gove Bein (Kent),

Bruce Robert Gove, Brian Scott Gove (Cecille), Kimberly Ann Gove Rials (Ricky), and Edward Mark Gove (Holly); and his six grandchildren and their spouses:

Madison Nicole Gove, Robert Byram Gove, Jonathan Gove Pittman (Angelique), David Thomas Pittman (Cayla), Lindsey Russell Bein, and Philip Russell Bein.

The family is eternally grateful to Mary Ann Lewis for her devoted loving care and support of Ed and Jan over the past several years.

 

They would also like to thank The Aspen of Brookhaven for their kind consideration and help.

Ed is to be interred at Riverwood Cemetery in Brookhaven; however, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,

the funeral will be limited to family only. The family hopes to hold a larger celebration of life memorial service in the spring as the pandemic allows,

but it has not been scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the

Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (www.BARL.net/donate), French Camp Academy, or Faith Presbyterian Church of Brookhaven.

10 comments

  • Comment Link Vicky and JL Wallace Wednesday, 26 January 2022 23:57 posted by Vicky and JL Wallace

    Love and prayers for the family of this precious man I knew as “Daddy” Gove. He was an inspiration to many and when he spoke, we listened! I’m so thankful for the many precious memories we have to share, Mama Gove, Jay, Dianne?, Bruce, Brian, and Kim.

    Report
  • Comment Link Rachel Elkins Wednesday, 26 January 2022 13:15 posted by Rachel Elkins

    I am sending lots of prayers and love to the family it has been an honor and a privilege to get to know and care for Mr Ed and to know him was to love him I miss hearing there's Happy!!! There was never a dull moment when you were around him and to see that smile was absolutely heartwarming I will love him always fly high sweet man ❤️

    Report
  • Comment Link Lona Waldon Wednesday, 26 January 2022 10:04 posted by Lona Waldon

    I was Mr. Gove’s secretary back in 1965 until we moved away from Brookhaven. I remember him as a kind and thoughtful man to have as a boss. My condolences to Jan and the children.

    Report
  • Comment Link Bobbie Crosby Tuesday, 25 January 2022 20:45 posted by Bobbie Crosby

    Mr. Eddie will truly be missed . may God be with all of you during this time of sorrow He was a great employer and a had a good heart.

    Report
  • Comment Link Clint Earls Tuesday, 25 January 2022 16:14 posted by Clint Earls

    Grew up with knowing Mr. Ed and went to school with Kim. Mr Ed was a great man and very respected. My Prayers go out to Mr. Ed and the Family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Karen Sullivan Tuesday, 25 January 2022 15:40 posted by Karen Sullivan

    Mr Gove was alway so nice and friendly to me. He is the perfect picture of a good man and a good citizen. I appreciate him for all his contributions to Brookhaven. Love to his wonderful family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Matt, Lucy and Katherine Shell Tuesday, 25 January 2022 13:00 posted by Matt, Lucy and Katherine Shell

    Mr. Gove will be missed… as his across-the-street neighbor for 14 years, he never missed the opportunity to speak and be friendly when we saw each other. He was always pleasant to be around. He is truly a person who will be missed. Prayers to the family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Tommy and Lucy Goodson Monday, 24 January 2022 18:13 posted by Tommy and Lucy Goodson

    Such a kind man. Praying for his family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Donna Monday, 24 January 2022 15:57 posted by Donna

    Praying for the family such a sweet man. Sending love from employees at Bowies BBQ.

    Report
  • Comment Link Barbara Davis Monday, 24 January 2022 15:23 posted by Barbara Davis

    What a sweet man he was and so accomplished. Thank you for sharing his family’s history and the legacy he left. He will never be forgotten but very missed from our community. Sending my prayers to Diane and Kent and the Gove family. ?

    Report

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