Andy was born on September 20, 1949 to William Floyd Edwards Jr. and Hilda Mary Foster in the Houston Heights. He was the oldest of four siblings, Rocky Edwards, Nancy Rush and Mary Gibson.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his sister Nancy.
Andy met and married the love of his life Linda Meier on June 20, 1970, and together they shared 56 years together with a life centered on love, commitment, and family. He was the proud father of two daughters, Laura Dyan and Kari Jo. His greatest joy was his grandsons Andy Tharpe, his namesake, Braden Tharpe and Cody Tharpe.
Andy joined the work force early to support his family and became skilled as a mechanical engineering designer until his retirement in 2014. He was a man of many skills. Andy was comfortable working as an electrician, plumber and mechanic when the need arose. Often bartering haircuts for oil changes on the neighbor’s car or helping to build a fence gate for access to the neighbor’s pool. He always had his toolbox ready to go. He was an enthusiastic car lover, fisherman and hunter. His garage was his happy place. Whether he was tinkering with his classic MG Midget or his bass boat, he could spend hours listening to music or the baseball game on his radio. He served his family, his neighbors and his God. Even in everyday moments, he carried warmth that put others at ease. He was a friend to all who knew him and he was rarely without a smile—often punctuated by the good-natured humor of a true joker.
Andy’s faith was an important part of his life. He was involved in his home church, Faith Chapel of Cypress, where he was active and served on the church council—offering his time and counsel. The church ladies often flocked to him because he was so handsome.
The Edwards family would like to thank Jon and Michelle De Los Reyes of Aspen Cove Assisted Living and their staff for their love, care and compassion during Andy’s final 18 months. They treated him like their own Grandpa, Poppy and Dad and we will be forever grateful. We also thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for making his final days comfortable.
In keeping with the spirit he so often shared, the parting words that linger are simple and true: “it was never goodbye, it was see you later alligator.”
