WILLIAM EDWARDS
Jan. 18, 1931- Feb. 3, 2006
William Earl "Squirrel" Edwards of Parkstown Road, LaGrange, died Friday morning at Wayne Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
"Squirrel," as he was most widely known, was a graduate of New Hope High School. After graduation he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Following his military service, he returned home and was instrumental in chartering the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department of Wayne County. He had a lifelong dedication to the organization, and became known as "Uncle Squirrel" to most of the younger members of the department. He was an active member for more than 30 years, serving in many positions including Assistant Chief, which he held for most of his years of service. He received the G. Edgar Summerlin Award from the Wayne County Fireman's Association in 1985. His caring nature was also exhibited in his 31 years of service to the citizens of Wayne County as a Fire and Rescue dispatcher. In addition, he attended Woods Grove PFWB Church in Goldsboro. He also loved fishing with his nephews and friends, and working in his garden.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Peggy Sutton Edwards. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sisters, Joanne Gray and husband Roland M. "Bud" Gray of LaGrange, Evelyn Carlyle of LaGrange, and Lucille Tyson of Goldsboro; one brother, Isaac Edwards and wife Jean Edwards of LaGrange; one sister-in-law, Joan Lane and husband Pete Lane of Goldsboro; one brother-in-law, Robert Sutton and wife Rose Sutton of LaGrange; special friends, Darrell and Pam Copple of Pikeville and Mike and Rhonda Strickland of Bailey; and many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Smith Edwards and Nellie Langley Edwards; and brothers-in -law, Sam Carlyle and Aaron Tyson.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 5, at 6 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in LaGrange, with the Rev. Mike Grady and the Rev. Frank Flowers officiating. Visitation followed the service. A grave side committal was held Monday, February 6, at 11 a.m., at the Hill Family Cemetery on Jeffery Drive in the New Hope Community.
The family will receive friends at other times at the residence of Joanne and Bud Gray, 475 Mark Edwards Road, LaGrange.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to New Hope Fire Department, c/o Bud Gray, 475 Mark Edwards Road, LaGrange, N.C., 28551.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, LaGrange.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on February 6, 2006 2:07 PM