Eduard L. Scharff Jr.'s Obituary
Eduard L. Scharff, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Known to most as “Eddy,” he was born in Florence, Alabama, to Eduard L. Scharff (E.L.) and Bette Catherine (Terry) Scharff. As the son of a military father, Ed spent his childhood living in several cities, including postwar Germany and Okinawa, Japan- experiences that helped shape his curiosity about the world and his lifelong love of history. He eventually settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he graduated from Hall High School in 1962 before attending the University of Arkansas and earning his master’s degree in architecture. A devoted Razorback fan, Ed never missed a chance to call the Hogs.
In 1968, Ed joined the United States Army and served two years in Vietnam with the Corps of Engineers. His time in the service became just one of many chapters in a life full of stories he loved to share.
After returning home, Ed met the love of his life, Lizabeth (Jetty) Scharff. Together they built a life grounded in love and devotion, sharing 55 wonderful years of marriage.
In 1989, Ed moved his family to Memphis, Tennessee, where he continued his career as an architect. He retired from his architectural firm, brg3s, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful and meaningful design. Deeply influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ed believed that architecture should be both beautiful and functional. He took pride in creating spaces that were not only visually striking, but purposeful places meant to be lived in and enjoyed by others. Among his favorite projects was the Memphis Humane Society, a building that reflected both his professional talent and his personal values.
Outside of work, Ed enjoyed fishing, time on the golf course, and the simple pleasure of being with those he loved. Above all, he loved his family deeply and completely.
Ed was a natural storyteller, with a deep appreciation for history and a gift for bringing moments, both personal and historical, to life. He always seemed to have a story ready, often told with warmth, humor, and a twinkle in his eye.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Lizabeth Scharff of Memphis, TN; his daughter, Amber Scharff Mock (Britt) of Eads, TN; his beloved granddaughters, Sara Catherine Mock of Knoxville, TN, and Anna Grace Mock of Orlando, FL; and his son, Thomas “Ted” Scharff of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by his sister, Terry Shipley (Paul) of Charlotte, NC; his brother, David Scharff (Kathy) of Rogers, AR; his nephews, Maxwell Shipley of Lexington, KY, and Hayden Scharff (Katie) of Rogers, AR.
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ed’s life; a gathering will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.
In honor of Ed’s memory, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Memphis Humane Society, 935 Farm Road, Memphis, TN 38134 (https://www.memphishumane.org), a place especially meaningful to him.
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