Ivy Felsen Edwards Sr.

Ivy was born on January 30, 1938, to Eunice and OD Edwards, in Macon, GA. Ivy was the youngest of five siblings. They grew up in a two-room shack on Rainy Road, named after his grandmother’s family. His sisters were his protectors and especially his sister Hesta, was like a second mother to him. Hesta’s daughter, Irene, became like a sister to him.

Ivy served in the Airforce, stationed in Japan. His most common greeting to everyone was typically with, “Kannichiwa” which means, ‘Hello’. He extended his time in the service so he could be stationed in Iceland.

After service, Ivy moved to Warner Robbins, GA and worked at Warner Robbins Airforce Base, where he met the love of his life, Jean. They dated for four months and then married on September 6, 1963. Ivy embraced Jean’s child, Richard (Ricky), as his own. Within four years they grew their family with three children, Ivy F. Edward, Jr. (Eddie), Michael David (David), and Belinda Jean (Belinda).

As if raising four kids were not enough to keep them busy, Ivy also went to school at night to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1972, Ivy and Jean moved their family to Hollywood, FL via work transfer within the Federal Government. His commute, to Miami would take two hours round trip, in a Pinto. He worked as an instructor at a local college in the evenings. He participated in volunteer work in his spare time for his children’s sports events. Ivy did not sleep much.

In 1978, Ivy and Jean moved their family to Norcross, GA which is just north of Atlanta, again via transfer within the Federal Government. He continued volunteering for his kid’s high school events working the concession stand for Friday night football games. Additionally, he worked evenings during tax season as a tax accountant. Ivy did not sleep much.

After becoming empty nesters, Jean and Ivy moved to Senoia, GA, which is just south of Atlanta. After retirement from the Federal Government, Ivy went back to work this time with the Georgia State Patrol where he would continue working long enough to secure a second retirement because Ivy did not sleep much.

After his second retirement, Ivy spent his days grooming an incredible garden yard and became an honorary granddad to the neighboring kids attending their sports events and maintaining an ample supply of ice cream.

Ivy served his country, his family, his friends, and strangers with respect and love. Ivy can now sleep.