William S. EDMONDS

HAMPTON - Dr. William S. Edmonds often referred to as Bill, quietly passed away at Riverside Convalescent Center in Hampton, Va., on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010. He was 91 years old.
He was born July 22, 1919, in Newport News, Va., and was the only child of the late William S. and Lottie Randolph Edmonds.
He is survived by Johnnella L. Edmonds; children, Scott Randolph Edmonds, Patricia E. Williams and William S. Edmonds III; grandchildren, Gunnery Sgt. James Williams Jr. USMC and Ryane A. Edmonds, M. D.; three great-grandchildren.
Bill graduated from Huntington High School in 1935 where he was ranked 2nd in his class. His subsequent education included a Bachelor's Degree from Hampton Institute in 1939; a Master's Degree from Virginia State College in 1942; a Master's Degree and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from Columbia University in 1949 and 1953 respectively. He also served as a Commissioned Officer in the Armed Forces during World War II.
After graduating from Columbia University, he spent his life working for institutions of higher education such as Jackson State College (Miss), Alabama A & M, Virginia State College, and Alabama State University where he retired as Vice President of Academic Affairs.
He loved learning, life, people, music, sports, Hampton Institute and the Lord. He was committed to academic achievement and higher education. He believed in rewarding those who make the most from their given opportunities. As such, he founded "The Lottie R. and William S. Edmonds Jr. Scholarship Fund" at Hampton University.
Dr. Edmonds touched the lives of many people across the country and will truly be missed.
A funeral service will be held 11a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 1242 W. Queen Street, Hampton, VA 23669. Interment will follow in Pleasant Shade Cemetery, Hampton. Viewing will begin at 1p.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a wake service from 6 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of floral expressions, contributions are requested for "The Lottie R. and William S. Edmonds, Jr. Scholarship Fund. Make checks payable to Hampton University and forward to: Ryane A. Edmonds, M. D., P.O. Box 306, Glenn Dale, MD 20769.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Edmonds family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.