Chief William 'Henry' Edwards

Waynesville – Fire Chief William “Henry” Edwards, 72, of Waynesville passed away Saturday afternoon (August 5, 2017) at his residence after a valiant 20 year battle in the fight of his life.

Born in Brunswick, GA his parents were Andrew Marion and Cassie Wylene Edwards.

Henry started his career bagging groceries at the age of 16, graduated from Glynn Academy in 1962 and served in the Georgia National Guard. He graduated from Brunswick College (now Coastal), worked as an accountant for 5 years and then served 34 years at the “Pup” Mill (formerly Brunswick Pulp and Paper) in the bleach plant, where he became the first volunteer for the plant’s emergency operations team. Henry was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Fire Chief for Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was Fire Fighter of the Year many times, a member of the Southeast Georgia Honor Guard, president of Brantley County Fire Fighter Association, Red Cross Disaster Services Volunteer, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 30 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Mascot for the Special Olympics (Big Bird). He was also a Girl Scout Leader and Adult Trainer for 10 years and ran the Peachtree Roadrace almost every July 4th even after having his fibula removed to reconstruct his jawline. With nicknames like “Hank”, “Stinky”, “Goofy”, “Pappy” and “Energizer Bunny”, he entertained all who had the pleasure to know and love him. Also he taught his baby brother-in-law and later his grandbabies how to hunt and clean squirrels and patiently guided his children and grandchildren along this thing called life. Henry loved his family, his community, being outdoors and most of all life which he lived.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years and Chiefette, Anita Edwards, of Waynesville; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Tina & Shannon McCullough and Tonya & Scott Stabb; 4 grandchildren, Paxton McCullough, Sebastian McCullough, Cole Whitworth, and Journey Whitworth; brothter-in-law and sister-in-law, Vernon “Clayboy” & Susan Corwin; and countless friends that he has adopted along the way and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held Saturday morning (August 12, 2017) at 11am at Waynesville Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Southeast Georgia Honor Guard and honorary pallbearers will be emergency services.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please send donations to Southeast Georgia Honor Guard(318 Tabernacle Rd Hortense, GA 31543), Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 369 Waynesville, GA 31566), your own local Volunteer Fire Department, or Hospice of the Golden Isles (1692 Glynco Parkway Brunswick, GA 31525) in honor of Fire Chief William “Henry” Edwards.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.