Eddie ‘Ed” Jeffrey
Eddie Otis Jeffrey, known to many as Ed, raced his last race in this world on April 14, 2025, at U of M Health - Sparrow Hospital, with the same dignity and grace that he carried throughout his life. Ed was born on June 11, 1951, in Howell, Michigan, to the late Lester Duffer Jeffrey and Mary Elsie Gould, where he established deep roots and became a cornerstone of the community.
As a graduate of Webberville High School, Ed demonstrated early on his passion for mechanics. He furthered his expertise by attending trade school, setting the stage for what would become a fulfilling lifelong career in the automotive field. Ed's professional journey began in 1973 at Bob Smith Ford in Fowlerville, where his dedication and skill quickly became apparent. He took numerous Ford classes to keep his skills updated. After nearly three decades of service, he took a leap of faith, and launched Jeffrey Automotive in 2001, where he remained at the helm until his retirement in 2021. His commitment to his work and customers was not merely a job but a testament to his character.
Ed leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Kathy and their children, April (Todd) Siegel, Curtis (Holly) Holmes, and Chad Holmes. His legacy flourishes through his eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who gave him immeasurable joy and pride. He also leaves behind his lifelong best friend, Rich Kurchin, and his wife Amy; sister Darlene, along with his nephews, a niece, and cousins. Ed gave his unwavering support and guidance to all of his family and his many friends.
He is reunited in passing with his parents, Lester and Mary, as well as his brother Milo.
Ed's zest for life went beyond his professional achievements. His love for drag racing was more than a hobby. He started a business called, Jeffrey Racing, LLC, and had many sponsors. His passion took him to racetracks across the state, including Milan, Onondaga, and Mid-Michigan. His fondness for fast cars and his youthful days of street racing were eclipsed only by the love he had for his customers and the friendships he forged through his automotive endeavours. To Ed, work never truly felt like work because he loved what he did, and it showed to everyone who crossed his path.
Throughout his life, Ed's integrity resonated with the sense of community that he cultivated, making friends through every facet of his life. He was known for his sense of humor, his generous spirit, and his ability to recall and tell a story in a way that would leave everyone smiling.
Ed lived a life in alignment with success, by all accounts, is the hallmark of Ed's time among us, for he lived by this principle and, in doing so, touched the lives of every person lucky enough to have known him.
Ed Jeffrey—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and community pillar—will be dearly missed, yet his memory and the indelible impact he had on those around him will endure forever. He will be remembered as a man who not only mastered the art of automotive maintenance but also the art of maintaining lasting and loving relationships with all he knew.
Online condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com
The family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Perry Chapel.
