Robert David Edwards

EDWARDS Robert David Edwards, 90, passed away on June 12, 2009. Robert (Bob) was born in New York City on March 22, 1919, to the late Blanche G. and Albert H. Edwards. Raised and schooled in New York, Edwards graduated with a B.A. in Business from New York University in 1938. Following a brief career in the insurance industry -- he was the youngest agent to pass the Certified Life Underwriter's examination -- he joined the U. S. Army in 1940 and served through the end of World War II. As a 1st Lt., he was in charge of the Ordnance Dept., St. Louis Depot. In December 1946 he married Jean B. Edwards of New York City. She pre-deceased him in April 2003 after 56 years of marriage. Edwards was a co-founder in 1947 of Holley Edwards Sales, Inc. (HESCO), a mill and industrial supply distributor, in Jacksonville, where he relocated after the war. In the early 1950s Edwards was elected President of HESCO, a position he additionally assumed in the 1950s for White Star Sales, Inc., of Jacksonville. Edwards retired in 1984. Edwards was instrumental in leading the building campaign for the Y.M.C.A. Health Club on Riverside Ave. in Jacksonville. He played a similar role in resuscitating the Jacksonville Symphony. Edwards was active in many local community organizations, including the Boys Service Council, Jacksonville Overseas Women's Club, Committee of 100, Jacksonville Symphony Association (treasurer), Jacksonville University and Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. He was an active member of Temple Ahavath Chesed and served several years as president of the Temple Brotherhood. He was honored as “Boss of the Year” by the National Secretaries Association and received outstanding service awards from the YMCA and Temple Brotherhood. He is survived by his son, Richard Edwards (Robin) of Oakland, CA, his daughter, Marjorie Levy (B.H.) of Savannah, Georgia, grandchildren Michael Edwards (Constance) of New York City, Dr. Benjamin Levy III (Tucson, AZ), Elizabeth Levy (Atlanta, GA) and Jonathan Edwards (Hanover, NH) along with his brother, Marvin R. Edwards (Helene) of Jacksonville, and several nieces and nephews. The family is extremely grateful to Jane Kowalski, RN, Jim Cole, Robin Jordan and the loving caregivers who took care of Mr. Edwards for the past six years. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at King David Cemetery of Greenlawn Cemetery (enter from Emerson St. on Galilee Road). Rabbi Joshua Lief will officiate at the service. Immediately following the interment there will be a Memorial Service in the cemetery chapel. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Foundation (4266 Sunbeam Road, Suite 101, Jax 32257), Jacksonville Symphony (300 West Water Street, Suite 200, Jax 32202), Jewish Family and Community Services (6261 Dupont Station Court East, Jax 32217), or The Rabbi's Discretionary Fund at Temple Ahavath Chesed (8727 San Jose Blvd., Jax 32217). Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Home. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com