To honour you...
I get up every day and take a breath. 
And start another day without you in it. 
To honour you...
I laugh and love with those who knew your smile 
And the way your eyes twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge.
To honour you...
I take the time to appreciate everyone I love, 
I know now there is no guarantee of days or hours spent in their presence.
To honour you...
I listen to music you would have liked, 
And sing at the top of my lungs, with the windows rolled down
To honour you...
I take chances, say what I feel, hold nothing back, 
Risk making a fool of myself, dance every dance. 
You were my light, my heart, my gift of love, from the very highest source. 
So every day, I vow to make a difference, share a smile, live, laugh and love. 
Now I live for us both, so all I do, 
I do to honour you.

Condolences, Lydia.  Though you and I used to chat a good deal in Darmstadt, I never got to know your husband.  I am sure, still, that he was a fine solder and a good man.

Best,

LTC (Ret) Thomas P. Kratman

I just found today about Tim's passing.  I am shocked and very sad.  Tim was a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed by many.  My love to Lydia.

Tim was a friend held dearest to all of us. He held the position of a perfect role model. With his charismatic personality, he could always light up a room with his spirit. He possessed qualities and accomplishments that inspired admiration and emulation. He exhibited exceptional integrity, resilience, kindness, and determination. His actions and choices served as a guide, influencing those who rode along with him. We will all miss you Tim.

Noland

Tim and Lydia are excellent cooks & hosts.

Christmas tree was always beautiful for gathering family and friends.

So many great times over 18 years with Tim & Lydia as my next door neighbor.
 A day at the horse races in Middleburg VA

Tim, it took me a while to put everything together into words for you. You were a neighbor, friend, caregiver, babysitter to London and most of all my brother. I will always remember our chats, the trade show banter, the weekend drinks and cigars. You always had the cheery mood to lighten a room and always seemed to make time no matter what was going on.  You will be  missed my friend! RIP brother! Til Valhalla!

Tim was a jovial character with a cute smile and good humor. Tim was a good host and a food lover. I distinctly remember how excited he was to cook delicious meatballs for all his guests at one of the parties. Tim was a happy go lucky guy, always ready to have a great time be it good music, food, wine or a nice cigar. Tim will always be missed. RIP my friend.

You were a role model and mentor to me, and you will always bring a smile to me. Thank you. I miss you

Lydia : So many laughs and fun  times each year at the  Saint Barbara's Annual Ball at Ft Monmouth.  With Tim's  forever dedication to the military, he was instrumental in educating many gov't employees  on how to do the job right in order to  support and  ensure safety for the US Soldiers.  
  God Bless You and your family, Love Leslie and Mike Melone

My wife and I are saddened to hear about the passing of our friend, Tim Edwards. 

I met Tim at work in 1999.  Tim rapidly went from being a work colleague to a good friend. There were many dinners in Old Town Alexandria, always enjoyable. And many parties that resonate in our memory. One of our favorite activities was dinner with the Edward’s. 

When I faced a medical challenge several years ago, Tim was there for me and my wife. His only question was, “What do you need?”, even when we were calling at the last minute. Several times, he dropped everything he had scheduled to take care of us. We are sorry that in these last days we didn’t live close enough to be able to repay his many kindnesses. 

Tim was a very special person and a very good friend. Over the years, Tim taught me a lot. He made me a better person. Every time I look out my window and see the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, I think of him. He will be missed.  

Nick Nickerson and Liz Hain

Okay, I admit, that’s a silly photo. But that one has just so many memories. It was when Tim told me to ,,Never look down“.

That one was on the Skybridge. Tim took it slowly and enjoyed the view.

That was such a great evening with a lot of laughters and  memories.

In that photo, we arrived in Gatlinburg. It’s near Tim’s hometown, Knoxville.

To be honest, I don’t know where to start. As a kid, I always loved it when Lydi and Tim visited me and my family in Germany. It was unbelievable that my aunt & my uncle live in the U.S, I thought that was so cool. I remember that I couldn‘t always have deep conversation with Tim, because I was just learning basic English in school - But that never mattered, because I loved Lydi and Tim. Tim was always a funny guy with funny stories and helpful advices.
2015 my sister Laura and I visited them in Washington D.C. We were only 9 and 12 years old and traveled to them! It was during winter holidays and we made wonderful trips and had such a great time. 
2019 me, my dad, my mom, my sister and my brother visited Lydi & Tim again during summer. I could already talk more to Tim and to be honest, his German was also good and a little bit funny too. 
2023, just one month ago, my brother and I visited Lydi, Tim and Mason. It was the most wonderful time in my life I guess. And I’m not joking. I could tell a thousand stories now, but I‘ll focus on one: We visited Downtown in Gatlinburg. We just drove with a skylift up to a place where we had a wonderful view. Lydi and my brother Simon we’re in one seat and Tim and me were in one seat. So, Tim talked about his life when he was younger, like my age. He always loved to go hiking, whether in the woods, the mountains, anywhere. It was his passion. And he gave me one important advice for life: He said: ,,Never look down“. I laughed, because we were just in that skylift and I was a little afraid of the height. 
But when I thought about it, I know what he meant. He meant to do things -  experience them - even if you’re a little afraid of it. Be tough, be adventurous. Enjoy life. 
I think there are so much more special stories about Tim to be told. 

We‘ll never forget you Tim. 
See you again sometime. <3

Our first social event with Tim and Lydia at our home in Woodbridge, VA circa 1999-2000

In 2004, our lives were forever enriched when we travelled with Tim and Lydia to Malaga, Spain. Their presence brought joy and adventure to our days, and together we embarked on a remarkable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Malaga and the enchanting enclave of Gibraltar. 

Tim and Lydia's warm smiles and infectious enthusiasm quickly endeared them to everyone they met. Their zest for life was evident in every moment we spent together, whether we were exploring historic sites, enjoying leisurely walks along the Mediterranean coast, or taking on the greens for a game of golf.

Our days in Malaga were filled with exploration and discovery. Tim and Lydia reveled in the rich history and culture of the region, embracing the local cuisine, and even attempting to master a few essential Spanish phrases. It was a delight to witness their eagerness to immerse themselves in the local customs, making new friends with ease and leaving a trail of laughter wherever they went.

One of the highlights of our time together was our visit to the iconic rock of Gibraltar. As we crossed the border into this unique territory, Tim and Lydia's sense of adventure soared. The magnificent views from the Rock, the playful antics of Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques, and the historical significance of the place left an indelible mark on all of us.

And then, of course, there was golf. Tim and Lydia's passion for the game was evident in their dedication to perfecting their swings and sharing many rounds with us. The golf course of Malaga became our playgrounds where we laughed, competed, and enjoyed the serene beauty of the fairways and greens.

But it wasn't just the places we visited or the activities we pursued that made our time with Tim and Lydia so special. It was the way they embraced every moment with an open heart, the way they brought people together, and the way they enriched our lives with their friendship.

Though the years have passed, the memories of our time with Tim

We first met Tim and Lydia in 1999 where Tim and Bill worked at the Pentagon in FDG along with Roy and Larry.  Over time, they all moved to different jobs, but we started great friendships there.   Tim and Lydia, Larry and Laura, Roy and Theresa, and Bill and Van soon began meeting for dinner about every month or two.

Gathered around the table at our FDG alumni dinner club, there was a sense of nostalgia and excitement in the air. It was a special evening, made even more memorable by the presence of Tim and Lydia, Larry and Laura, Roy and Theresa, and Bill and Van.   We shared stories of our Pentagon days and caught up on the months that had passed.

The evenings were always a delightful blend of good food, great conversation, and contagious laughter. Tim and Lydia had a unique ability to infuse humor into every moment, making even the most mundane anecdotes come alive with mirth. Their infectious laughter was like a soundtrack to the evening, filling the room with a sense of joy and camaraderie.

The dinners were a testament to the power of friendship and the beauty of connections formed over the years. It was also a reminder that new friendships can be just as meaningful and enriching as those that have stood the test of time.

As we said our goodbyes, there was a unanimous agreement that Tim and Lydia's presence had added an extra layer of warmth and joy to our FDG alumni dinner club. We eagerly looked forward to future gatherings with the knowledge that our circle had grown richer and more vibrant with their inclusion.

We were so happy when Tim and Lydia moved to Huntsville so we could continue our friendship and we spent many happy times together here.

Tim Edwards was an amazing individual. He was extremely intelligent, warm hearted and very friendly with everyone he met. 
I always admired Tim for his outlook on life. No matter what adversity came his way, he always had a positive response to it, never negative. 
I know Tim as a loving husband, father and a wonderful grandfather.
Tim will be sorely missed by all who new him.

I was struck upon learning of Tim's passing...we were peers and friends at VSE before we both moved on....had a few lunch's subsequently, but eventually lost touch... Blessings to the family...Fair Winds Tim... Jim

Tim was one of the kindest friendliest men I’ve ever met. I walked next to him for several hours during a parade this February.  We chatted the whole time and had a wonderful day.  I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. I will greatly miss his visits to lodge in Alexandria.

Pictured above is eight Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 Masons on our 2018 trip to Winchester, VA. Tim and I (together on the left) rode together and I really got to know him on the 90 minute drive. We were good friends and we served as stewards together: serving meals, organizing closets, and just doing the grunt work around the Lodge. Some of my best Masonic memories were shared with Tim. Today, as Worshipful Master of the Lodge Tim loved, I want to pass along our best wishes to his family and to let them know they are part of the Alexandria Masonic family and to reach out if they ever need anything. I look forward to the day when we can share Manhattans together in that House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.

Larry and Laura Hames first visit to Huntsville with the Edwards family!

We did not see each other that often but when we did  it always felt like we were never apart, Tim kept us entertained with stories, made sure Mike tasted his best Whiskey, and cooking and eating together was always enjoyable. Tim was smart, kind, funny, never boring,  respected and loved by us. Lydia you are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you strength for the coming days and may the great memories of Tim help you in this time of sorrow

That was a special moment, Tim and Mike talking  about old times while enjoying the sights of Huntsville. 2 friends with shared memories. Tim will be missed.

Our last trip to the majestic and ancient, the Great Smoky Mountains.

Lydia, I especially hold dear the memory of this trip with you and Tim to the 105th Harley Davidson anniversary, when Cliff was deployed. We had the best time together! I'll always be thankful that you both always made sure I was taken care of during that time. It meant the world to me to have you as friends.

Lydia, our best memories were of our motorcycle trips together with you and Tim. Cliff absolutely loved having Tim as his motorcycle buddy, and cherishes this trip he took with Tim. May the roads on Tim's next journey always be clear, with blue skies above.

Lydia,
Tim was my best and only "man" friend that I trusted with my life. We shared the best of times, the four of us. I've tried to find the words to express our friendship, but I discovered it ineffable and impossible to do so. I simply will miss him dearly and try to overcome my guilt for not putting forth the effort to visit more often while he lived. You have written a wonderful obituary and constructed a magnificent, memorable urn. Through good times and rough, Tim could not have dreamed of a better partner and life you two shared. God bless you.

It was an honor to know and work with Tim on this earth.  I hope he is now with God in eternal joy.  He will be missed.

Sincerely,
Jim Hensler
Arlington, VA

We pray 🙏 GOD continue to strengthen, encourage, and keep each of you during your time of loss.  

Sincerely,  
Willene Orr
SGM, US Army Retired

Lydia, Ryan and I are so sorry to hear about Tim. We all had a great time with the Bunco gang. He was a fun and entertaining person. 

Our sympathies and love are with you,

Carmen and Ryan Carter

I met Tim when I was a young boy. Within these 40 years he became a real brother to me and a great godfather to my children. My wife Rosi, our daughters Laura and Lisa, our son Simon and myself will always keep him in our hearts and remember the great moments we have been able to share with him.

Saying goodbye isn't for us.  Instead we remember a life well lived.  Knowing it’s not the years of life, but the life in the years that matter.  We are all better for having known you.  And for that, we raise a glass in your honor, and toast to your memory.  Fair winds, and following seas my friend!

Bart Olson

Mrs. Lydia and family,
It is with a sad heart to hear of Mr. Tim's passing.  He was always kind and gentle soul.  He was my BD guy who i could count on to make sure we were following military etiquette and policies. 

You all are in my prayers for strength and comfort.   I know your hearts are hurting so..... but know this is just our temporary home.  We will all join Mr. Tim one day and what a joyous time that will be. 

Cindy Bird 
Camden, AR

Tim was an amazing member of the Redstone Huntsville Chapter of AUSA- we will miss his smile and his support

OBITUARY

James Timothy Edwards

21 February, 1959 – 21 September, 2023

Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens

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