Robert Edwards

Robert Edwards was born on November 24, 1924 in Prestwick, Alabama to George W. and Ella C. Edwards. He was one of 6 children and his siblings were sisters, Leslie and Georgia and brothers, Alex, Herman and Malone. Robert was educated in Prestwick Primary Schools and graduated from Prestwick High School in 1944. He was naturally inclined as a builder, mechanic, gardener; in other words, he never met a tool he didn’t like.

Robert enlisted in the Marines at 18 years old and was sent to Montford Point, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, before being deployed during World War II. He was a member of the distinguished Montford Point Marines who from 1942-1949 consisted of approximately 20,000 men who were the first African Americans enlisted in the Marine Corps at a time when our nation was at war and military services were resistant to integration. Montford Point Marines served in some of the bloodiest struggles in the Pacific. On June 27, 2012, Congress conferred our nation’s highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal, on the Montford Point Marines. Robert and Mary were honored to attend the ceremony that was held in Emancipation Hall, United States Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DC.

Robert married the love of his life, Mary Rose Richardson and their marriage spanned 79 years. They raised their children with love, boundaries, and respect. Robert’s employment with the Civil Service in Alabama was relocated to San Antonio, Texas in 1967 and both he and Mary continued to enjoy their work in Civil Service, Kelly Air Force Base.

Robert actively served as on the St. Paul United Methodist Church Steward Board and a proud member of the Sportsman Gun and Social Club whose annual gatherings and feasts always drew family members to join them for the occasion. Robert played Bid Whist, Dominoes, and Bridge as competitively as Mary and separately as well as together, they were formidable competitors. When Robert began filling in for a foursome at the Pace Setters Bridge Club, the ladies of the club made him an honorary member. They both also loved fishing and made regular fishing trips into their nineties.

Robert generally took the grands to theme parks and Johnson City during their summer vacation in San Antonio. His stories of their experiences had everyone laughing, but the best times for all were at home in the backyard picking vegetables from the garden, running through the sprinklers, eating bar-be-que and home-made ice cream. He was a master on the grill which was a highlight of every visit.

The sons-in-law and daughters-in-law that were important members of the family include George Brown (deceased), Walter McCoy (deceased), Edna H. Edwards and BJ Edwards Simpson. Both Robert and Mary treasured their nieces and nephews on their respective sides of the family and were affectionately called Nannie and Uncle Bo.

Robert was preceded in death by Mary by six days. The loss of youngest son, Titus, and granddaughter, Dearah, were difficult. Robert is the last remaining member of his siblings. A host of family and friends mourn his passing and remember him fondly.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelRoyAkers.com for the Edwards family.