Obituary for Joseph William "Bill" Edwards
Joseph William 'Bill' Edwards passed away April 25, 2021. He was born August 20, 1919 in Uniontown, Alabama to Junnie Cunningham Edwards and Emma Phillips Edwards, from Sprott, Alabama.
Bill graduated from Felix High School in Suttle, Alabama. He received the Balford Metal for best all around student. After graduating from high school, he graduated from Selma Business College.
Beginning WWII, he joined the US Navy, where he served for 4 years. His last tour of duty was aboard the USS Memphis, Flag Ship of the Atlantic Fleet, with Admiral Ingrham. His ship served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean war zones. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a BFA Degree and was president of the Alpha Sigma Omega Art Fraternity.
After graduation, he was first employed by Azalea Garden Nursery Co. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was manager for 4 1/2 years. His second position was assistant manager of Belk Dept Store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
After moving to Winston-Salem in 1957, he was employed by Western Electric. In addition to his regular duties, he was editor of the company magazine: The Weco Wail. He began work as a technical illustrator & upon retirement was in a management motivational program when he retired after 20 years.
Bill was active in the art scene in Winston-Salem, NC during his employment at Western Electric. He taught many years with the Winston-Salem Art Council & was the first gallery chairman of Associated Artist.
After retirement in 1982, Bill moved to Clemmons, NC & taught art in his studio and gallery. He was a member of Muddy River Art Association, & was past president of the Lewisville Art Guild & received many awards for his art over his lifetime. Bill was chairman of the Clemmons Appearance Organization & designed the identity sign at the entrance of the village. He was an active member of Clemmons United Methodist Church for over 32 years.
There will be a celebration of life service at Clemmons United Methodist Church in Clemmons, NC on May 16, 2021 at 3:00pm.
A graveside service is to be held in Marion, AL at the Marion Cemetery at 11:00 am on Monday, May 24, 2021 with Rev John Nicholson officiating and Kirk Funeral Homes, Marion Chapel directing.
Bill graduated from Felix High School in Suttle, Alabama. He received the Balford Metal for best all around student. After graduating from high school, he graduated from Selma Business College.
Beginning WWII, he joined the US Navy, where he served for 4 years. His last tour of duty was aboard the USS Memphis, Flag Ship of the Atlantic Fleet, with Admiral Ingrham. His ship served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean war zones. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a BFA Degree and was president of the Alpha Sigma Omega Art Fraternity.
After graduation, he was first employed by Azalea Garden Nursery Co. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was manager for 4 1/2 years. His second position was assistant manager of Belk Dept Store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
After moving to Winston-Salem in 1957, he was employed by Western Electric. In addition to his regular duties, he was editor of the company magazine: The Weco Wail. He began work as a technical illustrator & upon retirement was in a management motivational program when he retired after 20 years.
Bill was active in the art scene in Winston-Salem, NC during his employment at Western Electric. He taught many years with the Winston-Salem Art Council & was the first gallery chairman of Associated Artist.
After retirement in 1982, Bill moved to Clemmons, NC & taught art in his studio and gallery. He was a member of Muddy River Art Association, & was past president of the Lewisville Art Guild & received many awards for his art over his lifetime. Bill was chairman of the Clemmons Appearance Organization & designed the identity sign at the entrance of the village. He was an active member of Clemmons United Methodist Church for over 32 years.
There will be a celebration of life service at Clemmons United Methodist Church in Clemmons, NC on May 16, 2021 at 3:00pm.
A graveside service is to be held in Marion, AL at the Marion Cemetery at 11:00 am on Monday, May 24, 2021 with Rev John Nicholson officiating and Kirk Funeral Homes, Marion Chapel directing.