William "Bill" Harold Edwards, Jr.

William “Bill” Harold Edwards, Jr. of Dallas, Texas, and Oyster Harbors, Massachusetts, died on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his residence in Dallas, Texas. As with most things in his life, Bill faced his ten-month journey with cancer, determined, well-informed, and with dignity; never losing his brilliant outlook on life.

Bill was a dynamic leader and pioneer in the healthcare industry for over fifty years. His contribution to building, at one point, the country's most extensive privately held healthcare system provided many lifelong colleagues and friends. As President and CEO of Medshares, the company had a national presence with over eighteen thousand employees. Following Medshares, Bill remained active in several ventures, including Health Care Partners, Guardian Healthcare Holdings Inc., Intrepid USA Healthcare Services Inc., Housecall Resources Inc., ABC Health Services, First American Health, and LifeCare. Bill was instrumental in the initial public offerings of Evolution Health- Envision Inc. and Healthcare Partners Holdings, and HCPH Inc. among other ventures both healthcare related and as a private sector investor.

Bill was also recognized as a dedicated philanthropist, focusing his efforts on advancing medical research and education. His legacy in these fields has made a lasting impact that will benefit patients and scholars for generations to come.

He was an enthusiastic and discerning art collector, assembling an important and impressive collection over several decades. Bill also had a great passion for literature, amassing a remarkable library of first editions. His prolific reading and appreciation for the arts enriched the lives of all who knew him and cultural institutions.

Bill was an ardent fan of the New England Patriots, Atlanta Braves, and Red Sox, and he would rarely miss a game. He was equally committed to the Master’s and always ready to pull out his Augusta National Green Blazer.

He was a world traveler, although he was most comfortable at his residences in Oyster Harbors, Massachusetts, and Sea Island, Georgia. An ideal day was spent sailing along the Atlantic Ocean with family and friends, followed by a casual dinner party on the beach. His participation in the annual Wianno Yacht Club Regatta was a constant, for Bill it was about the race, the exchange of competitive sailing, win or lose, the experience was rewarding. Bill often would remind the team, “An Individual can only have so many Silver Cups lined up on their mantle.” Life adventures were a win in his mind. Bill enjoyed sunset dinners at The New York Yacht Club in Newport. His favorite was a lobster roll paired with an excellent vintage wine. Of course, Bill treasured walks along the Intercoastal in Palm Beach and a Grilled Cheese sandwich with bacon and tomatoes at the lunch counter of Green’s Pharmacy, he always said it was the best part of the walk. Behind his very dignified and private persona, was a charming and outgoing man, who loved every aspect of life.

Bill is survived by his husband, Randal "Ran" Moore; two sons, William Harold Edwards, III and Robert Christopher Edwards; and cousin, Judy Strayer Smith.

There will be a memorial visitation/gathering of friends and family at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 5 pm until 8 pm.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Laurie Glimcher, MD, President Emerita of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Richard and Susan Smith Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Harvard, for her Longtime Close Friendship and unwavering support these past ten months. In addition, James Cleary, MD, Director of Clinical Research, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Senior Physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. To Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, for the outstanding care provided. As well as Benjamin Kitchens, MD, Medical Oncology, Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Bill's memory to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.

Bill's influence and generosity will be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have known him.