Edmon "Eddie" Ellis Monsour

Mr. Edmon "Eddie" Ellis Monsour, 81, of Fayetteville, passed away Friday, June 26,2015 surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born September 16, 1933, in Chadbourn, NC to Mary Solomon Monsour and James Ellis Monsour.  He was married to Kathryn Najim Monsour who was his faithful partner in life, love, music, and dance.  Destined to be together since their teenage years, they were united in marriage for 53 years.

A lifelong entrepreneur, he founded Eddie's Music Center on Hay St. in 1961.  Other satellite stores followed in the Bordeaux Shopping Center, Eutaw Shopping Center, and Cross Creek Mall.  He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cross Creek Mall in 1975. 

Eddie's love of music and dance has followed him throughout his life.  Affectionately known as the "Godfather of Shag", he began his dance career in the late 1940's in those places immortal in shag history such as Williams Lake, White Lake, Myrtle Beach, and Ocean Drive, SC.  He was one of the founders of the Fayetteville Area Shag Association in 1984 and proudly served as president in 1984 and 1985.  Eddie was a member of the Beach Shagger's Hall of Fame in 1986 and he served as Master of Ceremonies for 9 years.  He was a National Living Legend in Virginia Beach, Chairman of the Hall of Fame Foundation, involved with the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs, and a Shagging icon in 2005.  he recently received the Promotion of Shag Award from the National Shag Dance Championship.  His support and active participation in the shag world are legendary.

Eddie's proudest accomplishment was being one the founders of the Hall of Fame Foundation, which he chaired for 15 years.  The HOF is a charity that benefits people connected to the shag and beach music.  He was truly one who lived up the organization's motto, "Friends Caring For Friends." 

His love of dance was second only for his love of family and church.  As a founding member of St. Michael Archangel Catholic Church, he was a faithful parishioner and contributor.

He was a friend to all and never met a stranger.  He would light up a room with his infectious smile.  If the measure of a man were counted in the memories of the people that he touches, the sum of Eddie Monsour would match a King's ransom.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Ellis Monsour and his sister, Carolyn Monsour Dorroll.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of the home; son, George Thomas Monsour and wife, Deborah of Fayetteville; his daughters, Denise Monsour Smith and husband, Lt. Col. (Ret) Ron Smith of Eastover, and Eydie Monsour Hammaker and husband, Paul of Fayetteville; sister, Rosalie Monsour Berti and husband, Steve and brother, Jimmy Monsour and wife, Sheila all of Fayetteville; seven grandchildren, Patrick Monsour and wife, Andrea, Lindsey Monsour Alford and husband, JC, Daniel Smith, Michael Smith, Ron Smith, Elise Hammaker, and Katie Hammaker.

Prayer and reflection followed by a visitation will be held from 6-9 pm, Monday June 29,2015 at the funeral home.  A funeral service will be held at 11 am Tuesday June 30, 2015 in St. Michael the Archangel Maronite Catholic Church with Father Samuel Najjar officiating.  Private entombment will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park with a reception to follow at St. Michael's.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Hall of Fame Foundation P.O. Box 4070. N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29587.

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