Fred Smith Edwards

Fred Smith Edwards – born October 18, 1924, on a Post Civil War Plantation in Robjohn, AL, left the arms of his wife to be in the arms of Jesus on July 2, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert V. and Lena Lee Edwards; brothers, Richard V. Edwards (Lois), Colonel David F. Edwards (Sally), Roy Reed Edwards (Bettie), and sister, Frances Lingle (Tom).He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Vera Lee Fickling Edwards; one son, Wayne F. Edwards (Catherine), Miramar Beach, FL; two granddaughters, Christin Lejayne Edwards, Chelsea Nicole Cacciatore (Mario), Orlando, FL; and one great-grandson, Holden Charles Cacciatore, Orlando, FL; one brother, W.R. Edwards (Sue), Jasper, GA. Fred served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations with the Eighth Air Force. Fred’s entire career, which began at Brookley Air Force Base, Mobile, was in the field of communications technology as an Electronics Engineer. His and his wife’s careers took them to Keesler Air Force Base, Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, and Scott Air Force Base. His assignments included extensive world wide travel to Air Force units of the Department of Defense. His technical specialty was integration of cryptographic equipment in secure communications systems. He was known among his co-workers as “Mr. Crypto.” His outstanding performance and extraordinary skills during his thirty-four year career with the Department of Defense were recognized by numerous awards and special citations. Fred’s recreation passion was “outdoors,” primarily quail, pheasant, and turkey hunting. He also found time for a little golf. He was a conservationist and was actively involved in managing the family timberland known as the Edwards Long Leaf Pine Plantation. He was a devoted Christian and was first ordained as a Deacon in Dauphin Way Baptist Church. He served in that capacity in the other churches where he was a member. He served on many committees and in places of leadership at each church. After retiring and moving back to Mobile, Fred and Vera became active members of Spring Hill Baptist Church. He served as day chairman for Meals on Wheels, and volunteered with Sunshine Builders and Habitat for Humanity. Throughout his life, Fred was generous with his time, talents, and possessions. He continued his generosity in death by donating his body for medical research.

A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary of Spring Hill Baptist Church on Monday, July 7, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to services. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101, or any charity of your choice.