J. W. Edmonds Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Sardis, GA – J. W. Edmonds, retired principal of Sardis-Girard-Alexander High School, died on April 13th, 2009 in his home after an extended illness. He exemplified a life well-lived as an educator of over 40 years of service, a deacon at the Sardis Baptist Church, a loving husband of 63 years to his wife, Dora, an involved father of four children, grandfather of ten, and great-grandfather of eight. Mr. Edmonds was born November 3, 1922 to Ruth and Frank Edmonds in Longview, Mississippi (Oktibbeha County). He graduated from Longview High School, Mississippi State University with a BS Degree, Florida State University with a Master’s Degree, and the University of Georgia with a six-year degree. He played college football for Mississippi State University with the famous Jerry Clower, who also prayed at his wife’s baptism. He proudly served his country during World War II as a gunner on the destroyer, the USS Pruitt. J. W. embraced personal and professional life at SGA High School and is loved and respected by a large extended family. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a true sports fan. Mr. Edmonds enjoyed planting a garden each year and loved watching his plants grow providing food for his family. As an avid coon hunter, he raised and trained many famous and sought after Tree and Walker coon dogs whose pedigrees extend championship bloodlines across the United States. He was known as a passionate fan of Duke basketball, Dodgers baseball, and Colts football. Mr. Edmonds was regarded as a man of strong character and values as well as a devoted educator who sacrificed to promote a sound educational environment for generations of students. He was quick to tell you that his greatest accomplishment was watching each of his four children receive their college degrees (Cynthia – Pharmacist – UGA; Johnny – Education – UGA; Angie – Nursing – Augusta State University, and Bill – Engineering – Auburn University). As the first in his family to graduate from college, J. W. has changed the course of previous generations opening new doors of opportunity for future generations in his family with many of his grandchildren now receiving their degrees as well. Mr. Edmonds is survived by the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Dora Whatley Edmonds. He is also survived by his daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Lewis (husband Buster) of Valdosta; his son, Johnny Edmonds (wife Carol) of Sardis; his daughter, Angie Brinkman (Alan) of Augusta; and son, Bill Edmonds (wife Denise) of Huntsville, AL. His grandchildren include Jay Hollingsworth (wife Laura), Neal Lewis, Haze Jenkins, David Jenkins, Johnny Edmonds, William Edmonds, Donnie Cope (wife Stephanie), Chris Cope (wife Melissa), Sheena Shoopman, and Todd Shoopman. His great-grandchildren are Haze Jenkins, Jackson Jenkins, Rachel Hollingsworth, Aaron Cope, Felton Cope, Ashlea Hogan, Hailee Hogan, and Cody Hogan. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th, at the Sardis Baptist Church in Sardis, Georgia with the Rev. Ken Nichols officiating followed by remarks of reflection by Principal Roderick Sams and Bill Edmonds. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Sardis Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the DeLoach Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Georgia on Friday, April 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to the Sardis Baptist Church, P. O. Box 280, Sardis, GA 30456. DeLoach Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 842 N. Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531) is serving the Edmonds Family. You may sign the family’s personal guestbook at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com

J. W. Edmonds

November 3, 1922 - April 13, 2009

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