Donnis Lee Edwards died on May 2nd, 2023, in Memphis, TN at the age of 79. Don is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Edwards; son, Kevin Edwards (Terri), and daughter, Lisa Williams; grandchildren, Lenae Price (Jordan), Lauren Thomas (Matthew), Parker Edwards, Valerie Williams; 2 great grandchildren, Billie Price and Henry “Rosie” Price; brothers, Robert Edwards and Joe Edwards. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rayburn and Dorothy Edwards, son-in-law Michael J. Williams and brother Alan Edwards.
Don was born in Memphis, TN and attended Treadwell High School. He and Charlene married 56 years ago. He started his telecommunications career in 1965 at Western Electric where he worked as an Installer and Quality Manager traveling the country before retiring from Lucent Technology after 37 years in 2001.
In his early adulthood, he was very involved in the amateur HAM radio movement and kept his “call sign” until his death. He later became an avid Harley Davidson rider, traveling near and far on his many rides with his wife and friends. In more recent years, he became a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served at that level as a Faithful Comptroller. He was also elected to the Tennessee State Council as a District Deputy. He locally served as the Grand Knight of Pope Saint Pius V Council 14041 at Church of the Nativity. He served his church faithfully as a eucharistic minister and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Above all else, his love for his family was never ceasing. His words were few, but meaningful. Although, he did seem to have a story for every situation if he chose to let you in on it. While he loved and adored his wife and children, his grandchildren were the apple of his eye.
Visitation for Don will be held Friday, May 5, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. Rosary to be offered beginning at 6:30 PM. A funeral mass will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Church of the Nativity, 5955 St. Elmo Bartlett, TN 38135-1516, Bartlett, TN 38135. A committal service will follow mass at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Don’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Memphis, Inc. at 1306 Monroe, Memphis, TN 38104.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Edwards family.
