William Harry Edwards II

William Harry Edwards II, Christ follower, husband, daddy, grandfather, brother, friend, and fisher of men began his eternal life in Jesus’s arms on March 29th, 2015, after a lengthy illness. He faced cancer--and his home going--with unflagging courage and grace.

Bill was a meek and gentle man, yet a giant of strength and bravery. A forgiving, compassionate, and humble servant, he was beloved by many. He intimately knew his Savior and desperately wanted others to know him, too. Because he knew that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men, Bill sought wisdom instead of wealth. Because he knew that people are more important than things, he spent his time and energy in loving and serving others.

Bill was born on Oct 28, 1944, in Murray, Utah, to Afton Bess Edwards and Fred Harry Edwards, and was named for his beloved paternal grandfather. His artistic abilities stood out at an early age, but his talents were many and diverse. Bill graduated high school in 1963 and enlisted in the Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Ord, California. He served in a tank unit, made platoon leader, and received commendation as sharpshooter. Following active service, Bill attended the University of Utah where he was a cheerleader and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1969, receiving a BFA in Visual Communications with an emphasis in Corporate Communications /Brand Identity, and a minor in Sculpture.

Bill worked for General Electric Co. for 14 years in corporate communications, and for 12 years as Creative Director for McCann-Erickson in Dallas, where he was selected to be a member of Texas Instruments’ corporate identity and brand strategy team. He was also a stock photographer with Getty Images since 1985. Bill’s love of fishing and photography combined to create billedwardsart.com and beafishdesign.com, creating and selling coastal art and casual apparel to sports enthusiasts.

Bill was a member of Second Baptist Church and a faithful attender of the Ironmen Bible Study. He also served as an advisory team member to Kingdom Racing, an Indy car ministry, and was a supporter of H.I.S. Bridgebuilders of Dallas, Texas, and their ministry to cancer patients, Chemo Church. He considered it his calling and blessing to pray with countless patients and families at MD Anderson Cancer Center while he was receiving treatment himself.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife Jan Jackson Edwards of Houston, Texas, son Christian Scott Edwards of Dallas, Texas, and daughters Brittany Edwards Gilmour, Laura Edwards Redman, and Mary Catherine Edwards, all of Houston, as well as grandchildren: Jaedyn Edwards, Lexi Edwards, Gracie Gilmour and Abby Gilmour. He is also survived by sisters Annette Helming, Susan Edmonson, Vickie Johnson, Connie Simister, brother Fred Edwards, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

While Bill’s first love was the ocean, in recent years he volunteered and fell in love with the people and purpose of Wind River Ranch in Estes Park, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Wind River Ranch, www.windriverranch.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amado Zurita, Yolanda Straughter, and the many others who so lovingly cared for him at MD Anderson. Bill considered his illness a gift through which to share the Gospel of Christ and testified often to the angels surrounding him there. After a private interment, a celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday, March 31st at 4 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas, with reception following. The Rev. Dave Riggle will officiate.