Eddie P. Jeffries, Jr.

Lt. Col. Eddie P. Jeffries, Jr., Retired US ArmyEvery now and then, the Lord blesses us with a person who reminds us of the value of a great leader, a loving soul, and an infectious laugh. This has never been more evident than in the life of Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Eddie Phillip Jeffries, Jr. Eddie was born to the late Eddie P. Jeffries, Sr. and the late Elizabeth Moore Jeffries on May 10, 1934 in Marion, Alabama. He departed this life on Saturday, January 24, 2015 after a long battle with Parkinson?s disease.Eddie was affectionately known to his family as ?Eddie Jr.,? ?Baby Brother,? ?Grandpa,? ?Pop?and ?Uncle Boo Boo,? and to his classmates and friends as ?Eddie P.? He was the second of four children. He graduated from Newport News?s Huntington High School, class of 1952 as salutatorian. Eddie attended Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in Petersburg, Virginia from 1952?1956. While attending Virginia State, he enrolled in the Army Reserve Officers? Training Corps (ROTC) and pledged his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Eddie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps on May 28, 1956. His military career spanned 20 years, and it afforded him with both international and domestic duty assignments. Eddie received numerous awards and commendations throughout his military career. He retired from the Army in 1976 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, at 42 years old. Shortly thereafter, Eddie started a second career as Director of Materials Management at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. During that time he also taught classes at Norfolk State University and served on the board of directors at the Arc of the Virginia Peninsula (now VersAbility Resources), an organization that provides comprehensive community-based support for individuals with disabilities and their families. Eddie loved photography and often shared his picture art, and he also had a number of collections of cherished items. In recent years he was active in his high school and college Alumni activities.One day Eddie saw a beautiful lady walking down the street in front of his parents? house in Newport News. He decided that he had to meet her, and in June of 1959 he married that lady, known as Wilma Jean Jeffries. They were married for more than 55 years at the time of his passing. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Alma W. Bell (Robert), Eddie P. Jeffries, III (Ramona), and Derek A. Jeffries (Chong); seven grandchildren that he loved, supported, and counseled on many life lessons, Philip Anthony Simms (Nikki), Robert E. Bell IV, Robyn E. Bell, Kyle A. Jeffries, Nicole M. Jeffries, Ryan M. Jeffries, and Alysa S. Jeffries; and two great-grandchildren, Paris A. Simms and Lunden A. Simms. He also leaves his siblings Helen J. Williams (Sidney), John R. Jeffries (Shirley), and Yvonne J. Thornton; sisters-in-law Lula Bullock (Theodore), Amanda West, and Rose Bolton; brother-in-law James L. Williams (Susie); devoted nephew, Wayne Q. Williams (Connie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Eddie was a member of St. Paul?s AME Church, Newport News for more than 50 years.The family would like to express its sincere appreciation and thanks to the Veterans Administration in Hampton, VA, the staff of Virginia Health Services Coliseum Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center and Eddie?s many personal caregivers for their support and care throughout his illness.The family will receive friends Thursday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2015 at St. Paul AME Church, 2500 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA with interment in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk, VA) with full honors rendered by the US Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers please express your memorials in the form of a donation to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or Alzheimer?s Association, Southeastern Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23503.