William Matthew Edwards

Matthew Edwards didn’t just enter a room—he made an entrance. Matty filled every space he inhabited with the type of exuberant Southern charm that mostly belonged to another era. Looking sharp as a tack in his Brooks Brothers suit, he’d straighten his bowtie and extend an arm out while his voice rang out loud and clear, “DARLING!,” as he pulled you in for a hug. Whether he already knew you or not was of no consequence. Matty never met a stranger.

Born on March 30, 1975, he spent his life connecting others in love, friendship, and fun. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama but grew up in Marietta, GA. He served in the United States Navy from 1995 to 2000, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. During his service, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and completed deployments to the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. Matt graduated from UGA with a degree in Political Science in 2003. He relocated to Baton Rouge where he found a close-knit family of friends waiting for him there. He suffered tremendous heartbreak after the unexpected loss of his partner, Jay Fitzgerald, in 2012 who he grieved for the rest of his life.

Matty had a gift for making strangers feel like old friends and friends feel like family. Whether it was a surprisingly delightful conversation in line, a long night filled with cocktails and laughter, or a simple check-in call, he showed up fully, every time.

Those who knew him will remember his love of the arts, the finer things in life, his red scarf, a commitment to feelings over facts (always), and the importance of good company above all else. Our darling friend was quick to laughter and easily moved to tears. He moved through the world with an openness that made people feel seen, welcomed, and included — no small thing in a world that forgets that’s the whole point.

Though his path was not always easy, he built a community of friendships that ran deep and true. Many of our best friends and our best memories exist because of him. We, his friends, are honored to carry his story forward. To know him was to be invited in.

A private gathering for friends and family to celebrate his life will be held in Baton Rouge on Sunday, April 26. Those wishing for additional information may reach out through mutual friends. Please come cry, laugh and share your stories with us as we gather to raise a glass to our darling Matty.

In his spirit, talk unabashedly to someone new. Stay a little longer. Laugh a little louder.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Matty’s honor can be made to Companion Animal Alliance, Opera Louisiane, or Baton Rouge General Foundation.