Willie Louis Edwards

Willie Louis Edwards was born on August 10,1952 in West Point, Mississippi and lived a very full life of family, fun, and fellowship. He transitioned on October 28, 2021 at the age of 69 from a heart attack in Ridgecrest, California. He and his infectious smile will be missed by all who loved him.

After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at the Historically Black College/University (HBCU)  Jackson State University located in Jackson, Mississippi  where he majored in Political Science the first two years of college prior to switching to Business Administration with a Bachelors Degree and a Master of Science in Administration degree from California State University, Bakersfield. Willie marched as a Jackson State University Tiger in the Marching Band as a trombonist, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and married the love of his life, Eddie L. Edwards.

Three daughters later, they all set off for a new adventure with the Department of Defense in Yokosuka, Japan from 1980-1983. After a short stay back in Mississippi from '83-'86, the family migrated west to California where Willie worked for the federal government for eleven years of service as a Personnel Classification Specialist. Upon earning his MBA in 1989 he held many positions over the years including, County of Kern Child Support, volunteer Sheriff's Deputy, Economics instructor at Cerro Coso Community College and owner/operator of Edwards Process Service.

Ridgecrest is where he continued his Southern and Fraternal legacy of family and public service. While in the small desert city, Willie was an active member and officer in the Black Original Social Society (BOSS), long standing member of NAACP, twice elected Exalted Ruler (President) of the Ridgecrest Elks Lodge #1913, youth volunteer at the YMCA in Bakersfield, an avid and competitive bowler and the organizer of the community KWANZAA and Juneteenth Celebrations. Willie's infectious smile was often captured at these community events in the local newspapers.

Willie is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Eddie, three loving daughters, Camica, Tanisha and Angela Edwards. His name and legacy will be carried on by his seven grandchildren: Devon, Chelsea, Jamila, Sebastian, Alex, Olivia and McKenzie. Willie is preceded in death by his father Chester Edwards, Sr., mother, Louise Edwards, brothers Richard, Jerry, Jimmy and sister Mary Helen (Linzell) McFarland. His remaining siblings are Betty Moore (Tim), Aaron (Dorothy), William and Isaac (Gay) along with a host of nieces, nephews and in-laws from coast to coast.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the First Responders and the Ridgecrest Hospital Emergency room doctor and personnel. Additionally, the family appreciate the outpouring of love shown through the many calls, voicemails, texts and cards from family and friends.

Those who wish to honor Willie's life may gather to reminisce at his wake/visitation on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Holland and Lyons Mortuary. Willie's homegoing celebration service will be the following day, November 19, 2021 at the New Beginnings Baptist Fellowship Church located at 1465 E. Bowman Road in Ridgecrest, CA at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sammie L. Allen presiding. Masks are encouraged for all and required for the unvaccinated at the Homegoing Celebration. In acknowledgement of the state of our current pandemic environment, there will be no repast.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ridgecrest Elks Lodge #1913, 201 East Church Street, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 for the Elks National Foundation in remembrance of Willie.