Edward Manuel Manier III's Obituary
Edward Manuel Manier III (Eddie), age 60 of San Diego, California was tragically taken from us on June 19, 2022 while at a gathering with his family.
Eddie who was also affectionately known as “Red” amongst his family members leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Edward was born to the proud parents of Edward Manier, II and Cecilia Chatman in Oakland, California on April 11, 1962. He was the youngest of nine children.
Upon the passing of Eddie and his siblings mother, Cecilia, our maternal grandparents Thomas and Freddie Mae Harris, unselfishly and courageously decided to raise their grandchildren together in one household as they could not fathom the alternative…the children being placed in the foster care system where there was a likelihood they would not grow up together.
Our grandparents, who we lovingly called, “Mama and Daddy” decided to purchase a home in Parchester Village, a historically planned African American community in northwestern Richmond, CA that was the first in the state to sell to Blacks. With a bustling household of nine children plus the frequent visits of Manuel and myself, we all enjoyed an amazing childhood. And while we were not frequent churchgoers, Mama and Daddy instilled in us right from wrong, morals, values, the fundamental teachings of the Bible, and plenty of love.
While Manuel and I pressured our mother frequently to visit our cousins on a daily basis to engage in fun and play, Eddie and Manuel were particularly close. With only four months difference in age, these boys did everything together. And why not? Eddie’s mom and our mom dated best friends. The sisters
vowed if they both gave birth to boys, the boys would share each other names Edward Manuel and Manuel Edward creating a bond for life. And it worked. Of course they were known throughout the neighborhood as “Red” and “Junior.”
The boys were figuratively joined at the hip for seventeen years. They attended school together, joined little league baseball together and participated in all extra-curricular activities together. Eddie and Junior remained connected throughout the years. They were thick as thieves and did things that we were aware of and things we probably don’t want to know.
It was in the city of San Diego where Eddie established his roots as an adolescent and young man. And his good looks did not go unnoticed. One could not help but to take a second glance whenever he entered a room. In addition to possessing a charismatic personality, Eddie was undeniably handsome with gorgeous hazel eyes and a beautiful bright smile.
You might expect an individual to look good in their twenties, thirties and possibly forties; however, Eddie could have easily graced the pages of People’s Magazine or Men’s Fitness at the age of 60! His awareness of health was not a matter of happenstance but rather a driven passion. He read and became very knowledgeable on the topic of health and wellness to not only improve the quality of his life but to teach and be a positive role model to his children.
Despite experiencing stumbling blocks in his life, Eddie did not conform to a traditional lifestyle as one might expect. He was an intelligent man who had sharp insight. He read the works of Alex Haley and Malcolm X. Eddie was keenly aware of our Black history and the inequities faced by people of color during the civil rights era. Eddie surmised if my people can survive such injustices, I can rise above my circumstances and live a quality lifestyle triumphantly.
It is in the city of San Diego where he met and married his beautiful wife Africa. Eddie and Africa enjoyed a caring and collaborative relationship for over a decade. It was based on mutual respect and a deep love for one another. Their blended family consist of seven beautiful children.
With the support of his wife and family, Eddie was a rising entrepreneur in the Airbnb Industry, Gaslamp Quarter where he resided. The Gaslamp Quarter is a thriving upper-scale community where all out-of-towners want to explore when visiting the city of San Diego.
Despite all of his successes, he viewed his most cherished accomplishment in the raising of his children. His loyalty and devotion rest with his family. As each of his children know they could always depend on his unyielding love, support and guidance.
Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Cecilia and father, Edward; grandparents, Thomas and Freddie Mae; grandfather, Gerald Dean; uncle, Ronald Dean; aunt, Christine; cousins, Myrna Jean; Yolanda and Deion.
Eddie leaves to cherish his memory with his loving wife Africa; children, Cecilia Manier; Paiton Travis; Edward Manier IV; Tatianna Manier; Jamal Travis; Maximillian Manier; and Tyese Travis; brothers, Horace (Skipper) Chatman and his wife Bernadette; Lionel Chatman and his wife Anita; Brian Chatman and his wife, Monique; Michael Chatman and his fiancé, Niecy; sisters, Roxanne Billingsley and her husband, Herman; Stephanie Gilmore, Valerie Chatman; Renee Chatman; aunt, Sheree Camp; Co-Pastor Linda Jordan; uncle, Pastor Josephate Jordan; uncle, Napoleon Camp (Bougham); cousins, Donna Rachelle Randall; Manuel Edward Wilkins and his wife Deloris; Deone Allen-Johnson and her husband Jay. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren as well as a host of extended family and friends who touched his life, loved him dearly and help to shape the person he became.
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?
