William "Bill" Edwards Jr.

William R. Edwards Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - William "Bill" Edwards Jr., captain, U.S. Navy retired, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died Dec. 4, 2008, with his devoted wife, McNeva, "Mac," at his side. Bill had resided in Virginia Beach for the past 40 years. He was born in Kansas in 1929 and later moved to Tennessee. He graduated from Union University, Jackson, Tenn., with a B.S. degree in mathematics. He also earned a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., as well as M.S. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, N.Y. Bill retired from the U.S. Navy in 1976 with the rank of captain, after 24 years of active duty service. During the early years of his service, he flew as bombadier-navigator and later as radar intercept officer in the F4 and F14 fighter jets. He specialized in the field aeronautical engineering during the latter half of his service. After his retirement from the Navy, he worked for 12 years with QED Systems as a logistics engineer, becoming a certified professional logistician and a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America. During his retirement years, Bill and "Mac" enjoyed many wonderful travels across the U.S., as well as the U.K. and Europe. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, McNeva Victory Edwards; son, Craig and his wife Sue; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves two cherished sisters-in-law, Rachel Caldwell of Virginia Beach and Helen Morrison of Milan, Tenn.; and a host of relatives and good friends. He was predeceased by sons, Steve and Rob. A service will be held in Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach Friday at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Dr. Jay Magness. Friends are cordially invited to a reception at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Galilee Episcopal Church Traditional Music Fund, 3928 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, is handling the arrangements.