An elderly man with a slight smile is positioned in the foreground against a background of rolling green hills and a pale sky.

Check made out to Florida Trail Association
Address to send check: PO Box #140430, Gainesville, FL 32614
Memo: In Memory of Edward Selby

Honoring the Legacy of a Lifetime Trail Blazer We are deeply saddened by the passing of Edward Selby, a cherished lifetime member of the Florida Trail Association. Edward’s passion for Florida's wild spaces and his dedication to protecting, maintaining, and sharing the Florida National Scenic Trail left a permanent mark on our footpath and our community. Edward Burford Selby, Jr., (87), of Naples, Florida, died September 10, 2026. Ed was born in Maryland to the late Edward B. and Margaret Y. Selby. His family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida while he was in grade school. A Fort Lauderdale High School graduate, Ed also received degrees from Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Louisiana State University. He taught at the University of Georgia for seventeen years, where he met his wife, Elizabeth Barnes Selby, on a blind date in 1971. Beth and Ed were also real estate investors. For many years, they especially enjoyed traveling and ballroom dancing. Ed was also an avid backpacker, completing the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Florida Trail, and others. Ed served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He was a volunteer for many organizations, including his high school class reunion committee, the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.Ed is survived by his wife; his sister, Margaret Schwerdt of Belton, Texas; three daughters, Rene Owens (Robert) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ashley Adams of Warner Robbins, Georgia, and Courtenay Fisher (Diane) of Farmington, Connecticut; four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.Ed wanted to be remembered as everyone knew him, so according to his wishes there will not be a funeral or memorial service. However, a donation to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples, or to the Florida Trail Association in Gainesville, Florida, could be made in his honor.

Edward Selby Memorial Fund for the FTA

IsFundraiserFormEditDisabled

IsPaymentByPadAllowed

Florida Trail Association Inc

Leave a Message of Condolence: We invite you to share a favorite memory of Edward or a note of comfort for his loved ones.

Florida Trail Association Inc

Edward Selby Memorial Fund for the FTA

Choose an amount:

$

You'll receive a tax receipt for making a donation.