Willie G. Edwards

Brother Willie G. Edwards was born May 11, 1945 in Vidalia, GA to Willie Mae Edwards and Douglas Atkins. He was raised by his grandmother Florence (Bushe) Edwards. He attended the public schools in Vidalia, GA. He graduated from J.D. Dickerson Training School in Vidalia, GA. After completing high school, he enrolled in Albany State College where he graduated earning his Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education in 1966. While at Albany State, he met the love of his life Portia McLaurin, whom he married June 26, 1966. To this union was born two sons, Joseph and Michael.

Willie was a devoted educator. He began his professional career in Dougherty County where he taught at McIntosh Junior High School. He rose through the ranks quickly. He went from classroom teacher to assistant principal, and from assistant principal on to become principal relatively quickly. After retiring from the Dougherty County School System, he joined the faculty and staff' at Albany State University as a lecturer. His love for educating others continued as he branched out to help men in the Department of Corrections' facilities and the Dougherty County Jail through the Albany Technical General Education Development (GED) program. He believed the men would be better equipped to re-enter society if they earned their GEDs. He was also employed part-time at Gayfers Department Store (Dillard's) which was a perfect job for him for he loved dressing up-especially for church! He also loved dressing his family. He relished staying abreast of the latest news as he was a lover of knowledge, history, and current events. His favorite television station was CNN. When he was not watching CNN, you could find him tuned in to the Game Show Network. While watching his favorite game shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, he could become a little competitive with his family members and visitors. Willie was an Omega man with all of his heart and crossed the burning sands at
Albany State College in 1964. He was a life member of the fraternity. He loved the fraternity so much that it was not a surprise to anyone when his youngest son, Michael, became a man of Omega Psi Phi as well.

He was a faithful member of the Gaines A venue Church of Christ (River Road). He enjoyed attending church where he loved to lead songs. One of his favorite songs to lead was "Just a Little Talk with Jesus". This is most fitting as we can imagine him conversing with Jesus. He was adamant about the mission of the Church of Christ. As a member of the body of the Church of Christ, he traveled to Africa as a part of mission work. In December 2005, Willie was a part of a group of missionaries from River Road Church of Christ (Gaines Avenue) that traveled to Ghana, in order to begin the building of a Christian school. This missionary work was part of the Southern Africa Mission Project: (S.A.M.P.) which originated from River Road Church of Christ (Gaines Avenue) in Albany, Georgia. Willie just loved helping people.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Portia; his grandmother, Florence Edwards; his brothers, Gary Atkins and James Lane; Joseph and Melvin Edwards (his uncles who were like brothers), and nine other aunts and uncles.

He leaves to cherish his memories his two sons, Joseph Ranard Edwards (Wonelle) and Michael B. Edwards (Steffanie); grandchildren, Vernorris Edwards, Michael Edwards, Jr., Christopher Edwards, Portia Billings, Kourtney White, Christopher White, Will Jones III, Christian Edwards, and Carter Edwards; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Makiyah, Brooke, Lauren, Cynnedi, Niyah, Brandon Jr., Careem, Erin; two special cousins, Gloria Johnson and Robbie Edwards Chance; godchildren, W. Bobby Carver II, Dr. Melanie Shorter, Coleman D. Camp II, and a host of other cousins, mentees, and friends.

Willie was a very loving, caring, and giving person. His lifelong mission was to help others. He was affectionately called Bruno by his family. It was an endearing name for a big guy with a big heart. Willie would not want anyone to waste money on flowers for his funeral. In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Phoebe Foundation for Coronavirus Relief Fund at 425 Third Avenue West #220, Albany, GA 31701. If you would like to donate to another charity, please do so to the charity of your choice. He lived a full and happy life, and we are honored to celebrate the dash between the day he entered this world and the day he left it. We encourage you to do the same.

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