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WILLIE EDWARDS Obituary
Willie Edwards, Jr., age 82, of Gainesville, FL passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at North Florida Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Edwards was a 1956 Graduate of Lincoln High School where he served as the Class President. He received his RN Degree from Santa Fe Community College and was the first African American to graduate from the University of Florida's Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program. He was the Chief CRNA/ ARNP at Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, FL. He was appointed by the Governor to Chairman of the Board of Nursing for the State of Florida (1993-2000) and he was also Past President of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetist.
He served 20+ years in the US Army achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.
He was the son of the late Willie Edwards Sr. and Agnes Gordon. He was married for 48 years to Doris Edwards of Gainesville, FL whom he leaves to cherish his memory along with his Children - Terry Edwards, Karen Edwards, William Edwards III (& Windy) of Gainesville, FL; Grandchildren - Michael Edwards Sr., Ethan Edwards (& Ashtyn), Ryan Edwards and Breean Edwards; 5 Great Grandchildren - Aaliyah Edwards, Brandon Edwards, Chanel Edwards, Jayda Edwards and Michael Edwards Jr.; (Siblings - Elois Russell, Tharon Smith and Lee Ethel Thomas preceded him in death); A beloved God-Daughter - Lisa Acosta of Gainesville, FL; In-Laws - Larry Cleveland of Atlanta, GA, James Cleveland of St. Petersburg, FL and David Cleveland of Gainesville, FL; Beloved Niece & Nephew - Kimberly Russell and Brian Russell of Upper Marlboro, MD and a host of additional Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & Friends.
The Celebration of Life for Mr. Edwards will be held 11:00AM Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the Female Protective Society Temple (Gainesville, FL) with Reverend Kevin Thorpe as Eulogist. Mr. Edwards will be viewed at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 - 7:00PM - At the Temple on Saturday 30 Minutes prior to the Service - And with the Processional. The Procession will form at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Edwards, 1040 SE 20th Street, Gainesville, FL, at 10:00AM. Mr. Edwards will be interred at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (for Veterans).
Donations to Willie and Doris's Mission/ The Reichert House Youth Academy are encouraged. Please visit and like the Reichert House Facebook page. Mail correspondence to Reichert House, 1704 SE 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL, 32641. Help us continue to serve 'one youth at a time' in Willie's memory.
Arrangements Entrusted To DUNCAN BROTHERS'
FUNERAL HOME
428 NW 8TH St
Gainesville, FL
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIE EDWARDS
Sponsored by Gainesville.com.
November 23, 2019
Mrs. Edwards and family, I am so sorry to hear of Willie's passing. I served with him on the board of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists. He was a wonderful man, loved his career. I am honored to have known and worked with him. I am so sorry for your loss. Carol Spang Pearson(CRNA)
Vernieca Weaver
November 21, 2019
Willie what a precious Angel God received when he gave you your Angel wings. You were an awesome boss many yrs ago and a true friend thru the years. Love and hugs.
Prayers for your dear family.
Marvella Clay
August 30, 2019
Willie had a quiet spirit and was cordial and pleasent to be around. For 10 years I worked with Willie in the OR at Putnam Community Medical Center. I am deeply sad about his passing. He was favored by many and the OR team in Palatka will sorely miss him. Rest on my brother.
Tiffany Jackson
August 4, 2019
Worked with Willie at pcmc, left the area but know he made a lasting impression on me. His heart was pure and he was amazing. His family is so blessed to have has him. I will never forget the lessons he taught me. To be kind to everyone. His legacy lives on in many.
Alison Edwards-Jones
August 4, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 3, 2019
My condolences goes out to Doris Edwards and Family. With deepest sympathy, may God be the glory. God cares and he will keep you comforted through the loss, good and bad times. Stay lifted up in prayer and he will see you through.
Blessings
From Bertha Wicks and Family
Jane Houston
August 2, 2019
Mr Edwards was a kind and gentle man who will be missed. I worked with him at North Florida, his goodness was a shining light for us all.
Ramoth and Barbara Andrews
August 2, 2019
Doris and The Edwards-Cleveland family,
With Deepest Sympathy.
The Watson-Andrews family
Alice Hostetler
August 2, 2019
My prayers are with your family, may God keep and bless your family
Corky Becker
August 1, 2019
My condolences to the family of this wonderful man.
Jerome and Maryann Jones (Lawson)
August 1, 2019
To Doris Edward's and family:
We are so sorry for your family's loss! Our condolences and prayers to each of you!
Barbara Henry
August 1, 2019
Doris and family,
Praying for you during this challenging time... God will take care of you . You and your family have been a wonderful blessing to our educational community & moreContinue in HIS will
Nelda Thomas
August 1, 2019
Be Blessed
Agnes Akins
August 1, 2019
Condolences to the Edwards family may God bless you all during this most difficult time. Charles, Agnes and Fred Goston and the Goston and Akins family
JoAnn Lambert
August 1, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with Willie from time to time during my 28 years at PCMC. I loved him dearly! He was absolutely the best and I always asked for him when my family had surgery. I know his death will leave such a hole in so many hearts and in society. Saying a prayer now for the family.
JoAnn Lambert
Ed Book
August 1, 2019
I am so sorry to the Edwards family for his loss.
Rosa Brown-Mills
August 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during thi difficult time. May God give you comfort.
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