William (Bill) Gaylord Edwards, of The Villages, Fl (formerly of Centralia, MO) passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Bill was born November 13, 1931 in Rome, NY the fourth son of Richard Thurlow and Muriel (Burton) Edwards.
After graduating from high school and one year at Utica college, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force. During the Korean War while stationed in England, he became interested in Engineering. In 1959 Bill graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson College of Technology and Engineering. During his freshman and sophomore year he married Adele Mary Beckwith June 23, 1956, who preceded him in death June 26, 2020. They had four children: Leslie Edwards Sims (Jeff), William G Edwards, Jr. (Jessica), Valorie Edwards Fadler (Brent), and Richard Thurlow Edwards, III (Kierston).
Bill worked as an engineer and came to Centralia, MO in 1973 to later become Vice President of Specialized Anchors. After retiring Bill and Adele moved to The Villages where he enjoyed golf, dancing, card playing, woodworking, and entertaining friends and family. He was a smart, humorous, and generous man who loved his family. He will be missed by his four children, his 10 grandchildren, and his 15 and counting great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is scheduled for July with a burial at the National Veterans’ Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO.
