William J. Edwards Jr. (Bill), was a gentle man whose journey of life was filled with heartfelt relationships, extraordinary adventures, and a legacy of unwavering kindness, generoisty and love. He embraced the mountain highs and lifes low valleys with both tenacity and grace that God was in control.
Bill was born in the small town of Pomeroy, Pennsylvania on May 24, 1937. At six years old, the family moved to Marshallville, Georgia where he would attend school and graduate from high school. He sometimes told tales of his upbringing that shaped him into the hard worker and leader he became. He was proceeded in death by his Father, William J. Edwards and his Mother, Louise Edwards. Bill was the second of four children: Geraldine Borum (deceased), Betty Ruth Moore (deceased), and Donnie Edwards.
Bill graduated from Georgia State University and moved to Huntsville, Alabama to work for NASA in 1963. In 1969, he married the love of his life for over 55 years, Shelby Edwards. Together they raised four children: Eric Edwards, Neal Edwards, Christy Edwards, and Brad Edwards. Bill also worked on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands for ten years. He retired in January 1995 as a Chief Contracting Officer with over 33 years of service at Missile Space Command in Huntsville, Alabama.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Huntsville Track Club, serving as an officer, participating in, and conducting events. He hiked the Appalachian Trail with his family in 1996. Hiking and being involved in the hiking community became passions for his later life and he would return to the AT to section hike. Bill also enjoyed spending half of the year living on Maui and being an elder and active member of the Church of Christ community there.
Bill was affectionately known as “Gramps” to six grandchildren: Daniel Mann, Austin Edwards, Carson Edwards, Mindy Edwards, Teela Biehn, and Annsley Edwards. He has one great-grandbaby, Olive Mann. He is survived by his daughter-in-law’s Jennifer, Kati, and Alicia Edwards.
Bill ran an amazing race, finished his course, and transitioned back to the loving arms of our Eternal Heavenly Father on July 14, 2024, at the age of 87. He passed at home in his sleep with loved ones present. Although his physical presence will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
