CSM (Ret.) Willie Edwards Jr.

Obituary For CSM (Ret.) Willie Edwards Jr.

CSM (Ret.) Willie Hugh Edwards, Jr.

Augusta , GA—Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Willie Hugh Edwards, Jr., entered into rest on April 2, 2020, at his home in Augusta, Georgia. He was born in LaGrange, Georgia on August 16, 1944, to his proud parents Mr. Willie Hugh Edwards Sr. and Mrs. Willie Mae Edwards.

He attended East Depot Street High School in LaGrange, Georgia where he excelled in both academics and athletics. After graduating from high school, he attended Muscogee Vocational Technical School, Columbus, Georgia. He joined the U.S. Army and married his high school sweetheart Alice T. Edwards. He subsequently completed the U.S. Army Parachute Training School and Air Assault Training, earning coveted badges in both. He had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army as a pivotal "Leader" in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

He began his career in the 193rd Infantry Brigade in the Panama Canal Zone, nicknamed the "Motengators". He was a member of both the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam and the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was the communications Chief of the Airborne Infantry Brigade. He served as Command Sergeant Major of the 8th Signal Battalion in the 8th Infantry Division in Germany, and Command Sergeant Major of the 501st Signal Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He played key leadership roles in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts. He was a Senior Enlisted Advisor for over 500 men and women in the U.S. Army and earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit. After 30 years of military service he retired and enrolled in Augusta Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate Degree in Accounting. He was employed by the Salant Corporation in Augusta, Georgia and AGY in Aiken, South Carolina in the accounting departments.

He was a faithful member of Beulah Grove Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia where he served as a member of the Trustee ministry and held key roles in other church ministries. His strong passion and love was working with his Sunday school class and attending bible study. He was a Worship Master of the Free Masons. He enjoyed fishing, taking care of his lawn/yard, barbecuing, spending time with family, and affectionately loving/serving his wife. He will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, consummate fatherly wisdom, positive "can-do" spirit, and ever-present sense of humor … always having encouraging words to share.

He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Willie Hugh Edwards Sr.; his mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Edwards; his sister, Mrs. Elaine Sinkfield, and his grandson Zachary Frison.

He is survived by his wife, Alice T. Edwards; his son, Hugh Edwards; his daughter, Karla Edwards; his grandchildren, Raquel Edwards, Trevino Edwards, Brianna Edwards, Kate Simmons; his brothers, Vernon Edwards and Thomas Edwards; his sisters, Gail Snellings and Harriett Edwards; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, Linda Johnson, Col. Michael and Sylvia Griffith, and other friends.

In compliance with COVID-19 pandemic guidelines, a full memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401.