Thomas Adrian Edwards

EDWARDS, Thomas A., fondly called “Papa” went home to our Lord on June 19, 2012. He is survived by his high school sweetheart he met on a blind date 57 years ago Gerri, better known simply as “Nana”; three sons, Dale Edwards, Karl and his wife, Vicki Edwards, and Todd and his wife, Debbie Edwards; his eight grandchildren Adrianne, Benton and wife Jazmene, and Robbie, Sara and her husband, Justin Day, Michael and his wife Jatana Austin, Christine, Kimberly and Matthew Edwards; and his five great grandchildren Alyssa Newby, Kayla and Payton Austin and Brylie and Bentley Edwards. Papa was born in North Carolina and moved to Florida in 1960 bringing with him his country roots. A simple man, he had his own special style of plaid shirts, t-shirts, blue jeans, and favorite NRA hat. He loved his recliner chair, his cats, a good book and a handful of tootsie rolls.

A workhorse his entire life, he spent most of his time outdoors, in his work shed and working with his hands. Papa was a ‘jack of all trades’ and ‘master of none’. He was en electrician, truck driver and truck tire broker. He took great pride is his wood working projects, building intricate miniature pieces for doll houses. He meticulously crafted everything by hand and to exact specifications. He was able to craft all kinds of exotic woods in small miniature pieces of furniture with working and exquisite detail.

His family has been blessed with an earful of stories he so generously shared. A bit of a family joke, anyone who had ever been to Nana and Papa’s would have the privilege of taking a trip to the shed, where Papa would proudly show off his masterpieces and tell stories as long as you would let him. It was a rite of passage for everyone in the family.

In the last year of his life, a bit of divine intervention brought his three sons back to the same place. Sunday dinners were spent with everyone together and Papa was happiest having all his boys with him. Papa had infinite wisdom that he shared with his family. He would sit you down, tell you how life was, look you straight in the eye, and say “10-4?” He has left no shortage of hilarious memories and traditions to carry on his name, but he will be tremendously missed as the cornerstone of our family.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to Landmark Baptist Church in Seffner, FL. Casual attire like jeans and t-shirts are recommended.