William Eugene Edwards, Jr.

Bill was the son of the late William Eugene Edwards and Elizabeth Hutaff Edwards. He was also the nephew of the late F.D Edwards and Emma Gade Hutaff. Bill was also preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Edwards Leonard.

Bill graduated from New Hanover High School in 1958. He attended North Carolina State for 2 years. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He transferred to Cornell University and graduated with a degree in Horticulture. After graduating, Bill served two years in the United States Army and then returned to Wilmington, NC to work with his father at Lucy B. Moore Florist. A plant broker who worked with Bill’s family got him a job at Mercer Greenhouses in Mercer, Pennsylvania. In 1976, Bill and Bobbie moved back to Wilmington, NC to open The Plant Place at 6114 Market Street with two greenhouses and a gift shop in the middle.

Bill married the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Green on August 11, 1962. They raised two daughters, Kimberly Edwards Tyler and Gade Edwards Lander.

Still waters run deep and this was Bill Edwards. He was a champion for his children and grandchildren. He always asked and deeply meant,” How are the girls?” and “How are the grandchildren?” He loved them dearly. He loved being on the water on his boats, “Miss Behave” and “Billybob.” He fished in many Billfish and Marlin tournaments. Bill loved running the “Billybob” and catching Spanish Mackerel. He would bring them home for dinner and Bobbie fried them much to her chagrin! He also enjoyed Sunday rides on the “Miss Behave” with his best friend Greg Dillon, who always kept him laughing.

His friends at Bradley Creek Marina and Pier 4 brought many fun times and great memories. Many thanks to Bill’s breakfast crew and the Saturday Lunch bunch.

Bill was a legend in the plant industry. His poinsettia crop at The Plant Place was sought out by faithful customers, churches, and businesses. It is a stunning kaleidoscope of color and life in his 34 greenhouses. His spring crop of annuals and perennials also brought favorite customers and landscapers from all over the state. If you drove anywhere in Wilmington, NC in the spring, it was evident that The Plant Place flowers were thriving and bringing joy to the community. His connections in the nursery industry were trusted and considered friends. Bill and his wife, Bobbie, were proud of the business they ”grew” together with over 48 years of business in the Wilmington, NC area. Bill ran the greenhouses, and Bobbie ran the retail store. Bobbie brought the accessories to complement the plants along with the amazing and fun “bling” she brings to life every day. Their faithful employees include Dee Ivey, Abel Bautista, Erasto Bautista, Irene Flores, Isabel Garcia, Hermila Orduna Rubio, Kelly Silivanch, Susan Banks, Brandy Stallo, Juliana Cavallaro, Jaden Mondragon, and Anna Vannavong.

We want to thank Evelyn Jones and Barbara Grady for their help and love during this time. We also thank Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice for their help and compassion.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Edwards; children, Gade Lander (Tee), Kim Tyler (Scott); grandchildren Mackenzie Mawby (Brian), Watson Lander, Addison Hawthorne (John) and Grant Tyler (Caroline). Also remembered is his dog, Baron.

In “the stranger in the lifeboat” by Mitch Albom, it is quoted “I know the tears you shed. When people leave this Earth, their loved ones always weep. But I promise you, those who leave do not.” We will miss you terribly, Poppa but we know you are at peace and smiling down upon us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Canines for Service, 221 Dairy Road, Wilmington, NC 28405. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Wrightsville Beach United Methodist Church.