Francis Edwin Hallman
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Francis's obituary
Published in 6/29/25 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
https://www.legacy.com/us/obi…
Francis Edwin "Ed" Hallman Jr., 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in Atlanta, on April 27, 2025.
Ed was born on April 4, 1946, in Decatur, Georgia, to Francis Edwin and Lillian Davis Hallman. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1964 and carried his pride for his hometown throughout his life, often sharing stories about good times at "the wall."
In 1968, Ed graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At Wake Forest, he developed great admiration for many of his professors. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, where he forged lifelong friendships and memories. Ed earned his J.D. in 1971 from the University of Georgia School of Law.
After law school, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia. He then practiced law in Griffin, GA. Returning to Atlanta, he worked as Regional Counsel and Chief Enforcement Attorney for the United States Department of Energy. Ed returned to private practice, specializing in environmental and energy law along with litigation regarding trusts and estates. As one of the first "Environmental Lawyers" in the southeast, he was instrumental in obtaining seminal rulings in the newly emerging field of environmental law. Among many organizations, Ed was a member of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Law. His long career was defined by dedication and professionalism. He was a fierce advocate in complex, years-long legal battles. Ed had a profound respect for his partners and colleagues. His clients and their issues were of deep personal importance to him.
Ed and Marguerite (Peggy) Radford married in 1973 and enjoyed over 52 years together. Their two sons, Radford Edwin and Francis Candler, completed their family. Ed took great pride and joy in his sons, wholeheartedly supporting their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. He loved his new roles of father-in-law to his "daughters" and Gampy and Papa to his four grandchildren. Ed was a lifelong athlete despite an early battle with polio. He was an avid runner, completing forty-four Peachtree Road Races with the t-shirts to prove it. Later in life, Ed immersed himself fully in rowing and volunteering with the Lake Lanier Rowing Club when he wasn't in the yard throwing the frisbee to his favorite pup, Willow.
In his youth, Ed was a devoted member of Oakhurst Baptist Church. He later became a dedicated parishioner at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Ed was known and beloved for treasuring his family and cherishing his friends. He was a kind and generous southern gentleman. When not reading and quoting poetry, Ed loved to entertain all with colorful tales of his life experiences.
In January, after ten days of retirement, Ed was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After a brief period of treatment, he chose to spend his remaining time surrounded by the people and places he loved most.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy along with his sons and their families: Radford and Jennifer Eberle Hallman, Lindanne and Calin of Los Angeles, CA; Candler and Heather Spector Hallman, Josephine and Hannah of Tokyo, Japan; and his sister, Elizabeth Hallman Snitzer of Atlanta. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Hallman Murdaugh, his brothers-in-law Joseph Snitzer and Harry Murdaugh.
The family is very grateful to the Northwest Georgia Oncology Group at Kennestone Hospital, Complete Care at Home, and Georgia Hospice Care.
In keeping with his generous spirit, Ed chose to donate his body to Emory University School of Medicine – a decision for which his oncologist thanked him, noting that such acts make possible the advancement of medicine. Ed wanted this to be his final gift and farewell as he did not wish to have a formal service. Ultimately, his ashes will be interred in Decatur Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to your favorite charity or these organizations that were close to Ed's heart:
Lake Lanier Rowing Club Outreach Programs https://lakelanierrowing.spor… 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
The Edwin Hallman Jr Creative Writing Scholarship at Wake Forest University https://go.wfu.edu/6ps Wake Forest University, Joel Rivera, University Advancement, 1834 Wake Forest Road, Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27104
We invite you to leave any memories, tributes, or photos on the family's memorial website: https://everloved.com/life-of…
"Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends." W.B.Yeats
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