Robert Charles Edwards

HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

A son was born to Fred Edwards Sr. and Sarah Player Edwards on September 8, 1935 in Hobart, Oklahoma. They named him R.C. Edwards. He was the seventh of nine children. During World War II the family moved to Clinton, Oklahoma. In Clinton R. C. attended Excelsior High School. He played trombone in the school band and sang in the chorus. Also, as a young man he was the lead singer of a traveling gospel quartet. The quartet even recorded a few singles.

R. C. Edwards enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. The recruiter required R.C. to have a full first and full middle name so Robert Charles Edwards was written on his enlistment documents. At some time during his life Robert changed the Charles to Carl. While serving on assignment in Florida, Robert Edwards met and married Martha Mae Walker. He instantly became the father of two, the family grew quickly, and four more children were added. The marriage was dissolved in 1973.

Robert Edwards served in the USAF for 21 years. His assignments and tours of duty included California, Florida, Germany, Greece, Washington DC, Vietnam, Korea and finally New Mexico. He retired from the USAF in 1973 as Technical Sergeant in Albuquerque, NM. Upon retirement he studied to become a Pharmacy Technician. He relocated to Jacksonville, FL and gained employment at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Also employed there was Ms. Evelyn Howard. Robert was overcome by her beauty and charm. He pursued her, won her affections and they were married on September 19, 1981. Upon this union Robert gained six bonus children that grew to love and respect him affectionately calling him Bob and “old man”. Robert retired from St. Vincent’s Hospital after 20 years of service.

Robert Edwards gave his life to the Lord in 2001 and joined Victory in Christ Bible Church, there he was leader of the Men’s Chorus. He loved music and amassed a huge collection. Another one of his favorite hobbies was gardening. He supplied many with flowers, plants, nuts, and tasty produce grown in his garden. He was a humorous man who loved spending time with family.

Robert Edwards was proceeded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Luther, T.J., Freddie Mae, Chester, Lovada, Iva, Arah, Fred Jr., and son Wendell Powell.

Robert Edwards leaves to cherish fond memories, his loving and devoted wife of 38 years Evelyn Edwards, sons, Robert Edwards Jr. (Erlinda), Roland Edwards (Stephanie), Chandler Edwards, (Julie); James Howard, Sam Howard, Tyrone Howard, Joseph Howard (Sonya), Robert Howard (Valerie), daughters Gail Matthews (Earl), Deidre Keyes (Sammy) Michele Gray (Nathaniel); 39 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Mary McRoy, Martha Stamper (Clarence), Corrine McNair (Clarence), Connie Jenkins (Oliver); brothers-in-law Benjamin Lewis (Mary), Robert Lewis (Martha), Paul Christie (Nell), Westley Bassett, Willie Jackson; a host of nieces, nephews, Walker family in-laws, and dear friends.

Funeral Service Friday August 21,2020 11AM at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home 1426 Rowe Ave Jacksonville, Florida 32208. Burial to follow at 1:30PM

at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Air Force Honors.