Connie Wayne Edds

Connie Wayne Edds, a man of profound character, passed peacefully into Heaven on Friday, January 19, 2024. With his family at his side, he was surrounded with great love and exceptional care. He was 80 years old and remained a lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Teddy, one daughter, Sally Palculict, and two grandchildren, Hudson and Ella, among many loyal friends and extended family members.

Connie was born to C. Gus Edds and Patra Self Edds, and he was raised in Beaumont, Texas. In his early days, he spent time exploring and working on his grandparent’s farm; a family man even as a young boy, he loved to reminisce about his days and experiences there. He enjoyed time out on the water with cousins and family, and he loved to fish.

He graduated from French High School, and kept up with many valued classmates through the years. He later attended Lamar University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Connie dedicated three years of his life to the United States Army, traveling overseas during the Vietnam War. He was immensely proud to serve his country, and he never stopped telling stories about his time in the service.

In 1979, he met the love of his life, Teddy, and they were married in just a few short months; they then welcomed a daughter, Sally, in 1985.

He owned and continued the family auto sales business successfully for many years.

From a young age, Connie loved anything to do with cars and became a true “car buff” - and that title stuck with him throughout his years.

Indeed, cars were his other true love. He knew the ins and outs of each working part, how to troubleshoot and repair them, and took careful care and consideration of anything he worked on. In particular, he loved classic cars and hot rods. His red 1957 Chevy Bel Air was one of his very prized possessions.

Connie was also an avid lover of weight lifting and maintaining his physical fitness and strength. In his later years, you’d be likely to find him finishing a crossword puzzle or word jumble in the newspaper. It was always amazing how much knowledge he had about so many different topics; he could really surprise you.

Connie became a “Papa” to his twin grandchildren in 2013, and that title was such a special one that he held in his family.

He was a tremendously skilled handyman, and over time really became a jack of all trades. You’d likely find him tinkering with different home projects, patiently working to make something better either for his home or loved ones. His family knew that if Papa couldn’t fix it, no one could.

Connie led a simple and practical life, but was a man of extraordinary heart and leaves an impressively honorable legacy. He was a man of great integrity, eternal kindness and compassion, generosity, and humor. Despite his gentle nature, Connie was a fierce protector of his family. The needs of his family were always in the forefront of his mind; his intentions and actions were a continual reflection of that.

In each of the roles he was given in life - son, friend, father, husband, and grandfather - he exceeded all expectations. Connie was abundantly cherished and deeply treasured by his family and those who knew him. He will be so dearly missed. His beautiful light will continue to shine through his family and those he met along the way.

He is preceded in death by his father, C. Gus Edds, and his mother, Patra Self Edds.

In memory of Connie, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation for the care and comfort he received while at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.

A celebration of Connie Wayne's life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with a military burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. The family invites all back to the funeral home for a meal at the conclusion of the graveside service.

Please join us in remembering Connie by sharing a fond memory or story of him.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26