George W. Edwards Jr.

A funeral service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service.

George was born January 26, 1939 in Tupelo, MS. He grew up in Jackson, MS where he graduated from Central High School and attended Hinds Community College and Millsaps College.

After college, George started his construction career with the Bailey organization on the Gulf Coast in 1960 where he managed many construction projects in Harrison County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During this time, he also spent his time serving our country in the National Guard. He later moved to and spent the majority of his career in Brandon, MS where he started his own company, H&E Builders, Inc., developing subdivisions, condominiums and apartment complexes in Rankin County and the surrounding area. In his 40 plus year building career, George constructed more than 2,000 homes. He took great pride in being part of the American dream of homeownership for so many families. George was a loyal member to the Home Builders Association from 1964 until the day he retired serving numerous positions at the local, state and national level. These leadership roles included Membership Chair, Parade of Homes Chair, Build PAC Chair, and Government Affairs Chair. George ultimately served as Executive Board President at both the local and state level and served as Vice President of the Region on the national level. He made many trips to Washington D.C. to lobby for builders’ rights, construction related environment issues, and affordable housing for all Mississippians. His building career culminated with his appointment to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors by Governor Ronnie Musgrove in 2003 followed by his induction into the Mississippi Housing Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2012, the Mississippi Legislature passed Resolution 677 commending George for his committed dedication to Mississippi State Board of Contractors and the construction industry in our state.

Outside of his successful career, George was actively involved with his church and community. He was a long time member of the Rankin County Rotary Club where he served as President, and was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 2003. George was also proud to be a 32ND Degree Scottish Royal Arch Mason, member of the local Rankin County School Board, and volunteer for St. Jude Children’s Hospital among many other services to his community.

George is preceded in death by his parents George William Edwards, Sr. and Sara Griffin Edwards; his brother, Mayne; and two sisters, Judy and Dee. He is survived by his loving wife Donna; three daughters, Alison (Greg), Kim (Sam) and Ellen (Tim); son, Eric (Jodi); twelve grandchildren, Jessica (Lawrence), Clark (Shelby), Ryan (Kaylee), Anna (Peyton), Brock, Forrest, Avery, Landry, Emma, Annalise, Mia and Lucah; three great grandchildren, Laurence, William and John; and brother, Butch (Cathy). Of all his many life accomplishments, those who survive him are the legacy that gave him the most pride.

“To God be the glory for the things He has done.” Acts 17.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.