Ivory "Eddie" Edwards Jr.

Eddie was born on September 20, 1936 to Opheila and Ivory “BB” Edwards Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Cathy, his eight children, Danny, Monica, Brandy, John, Sara (Troy), Ian (Casey), Blake and Paul, his eight grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and his siblings Cleveland Edwards, Barbara Jean Edwards and Crissandra Edwards Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and his brother George.

After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army. He was an Airborne Ranger and an Interpreter. He learned three languages (Vietnamese, French and German) at Defense Language Institute, did multiple tours in Vietnam and earned numerous medals. These medals include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Staff Service Medal and a Bronze Star. He retired in 1978 after 22 years of service at Fort Ord CA. He was proud of his service, especially as a Vietnam Veteran since he was constantly wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat.

After his retirement, Eddie pursued a successful career in the entertainment business. Starting as a talent agent that provided services such as: supplying DJs, bands, and hosting private events at venues such as night clubs. Later in life as the DJ at the Brickhouse, Eddie had crowds dancing all night long. There was always a long line of people trying to get into the club.

Eddie loved all genres of music such as R&B, country, dance, but his favorite was the blues. He loved to sing Oh Danny Boy, I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair, When something is wrong with my Baby, and many more.

After the Brickhouse closed, Eddie and his wife opened Virgos and later Eddie’s. Virgo’s was especially loved as it was the only country dance club on the Monterey Peninsula. Eddie also loved having the young military members from the Defense Language Institute come into the club. He looked after and mentored them as if he was still in the military, like a true First Sergeant. Virgo’s and Eddie’s were a family business and all of his children helped with them. He was so proud to have his family close and working with him.

Eddie was also an amazing cook. Best known for his BBQ ribs, Tri-Tip, chili and collard greens. Once a month he would host family BBQs where customers and their families would enjoy an afternoon of food, dancing, games, and fun. He always was a people person.

Eddie truly loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

~ Death leaves a heartache no one can heal

Love leaves a memory no one can steal ~