Ed Stringfellow was born in Birmingham, Alabama November 13, 1928. His early education was in Birmingham public schools, graduating from Phillips High School in 1946 at age 17. He first attended the University of Alabama, but transferred to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University).

His first solo flight was at Birmingham Municipal Airport in the mid 1940s and he rapidly progressed through the aviation ratings from private pilot, commercial, instrument and flight instructor. He was a successful businessman, and a collector of vintage aircraft; but devoted much of his time to instructing and other flying activities. His former students include distinguished military combat pilots, commercial aviators and airline pilots, many of whom he guided from first solo through advanced ratings. During the Korean conflict, he instructed at a USAF contract school. Untold numbers have benefited from his vast knowledge as an instructor for more than half a century, which he has accomplished accident-free. He was selected by the FAA as regional "Instructor of the Year" in 1998.