Wille James Edwards, Jr., a husband, a father, a brother, a deacon, a friend has passed away at age 75. He died on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in St. Vincent in Little Rock, Ark.
Willie was born on September 30, 1949, in Little Rock, Ark., to Willie James Edwards Sr. and Annie Mae Edwards (Torrance Smith). He attended St. Bartholomew Catholic School in Little Rock, Ark., from 1956-1959. In the summer of 1959, the family moved to the Gold Lake/Gold Creek Community south of Conway, Ark. He then attended Good Shepherd Catholic School until 1965, and Pine Street High School (1965-1966), where he played varsity football for the Pine Street Polar Bears as a freshman. As a sophomore, he became one of the first four Black football players (along with senior Sam Smith, junior Raymond Thompson, and his brother, Terry Edwards, who was a sophomore) to play for the Conway High School football team from 1966-1968.
Willie always had a keen interest in mechanical things. At the age of 10, he was already reading Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines and automotive manuals. This inspired him to begin working with machines, and by the age of 18, he had built and engine-less go-kart and rebuilt several motor scooters, motorcycles, engines, and transmissions. His favorite activities included watching auto races, building and flying radio-controlled aircraft, building computers, and photography.
After graduating high school in 1969, Willie acquired several trade and technical certifications. He worked for Ward’s School Bus Factory in Conway, until 1972. On February 16, 1972, he started what would turn out to be a 35-year career with Arkansas Power and Light (now known as Entergy Arkansas).
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Carolyn Marie Edwards and Geraldine Ann Edwards (Columbus); and his daughter, Jennifer Lee Edwards.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Jean Edwards; his son, Willie James Edwards III (Joan Mae); a stepdaughter, Denice Wimberly (Terrel); and his siblings, Terry L. Edwards (Jewel), Gladys Marie Edwards Mosby (Roy), Eugenia Faye Edwards Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
A public visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. The family will receive visitors at a family hour on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. at Ruffin and Jarrett Home, located at 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Valley MBC, located at 1821 Wolfe St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202.
I knew Willie . I hadn’t seen him in years. He was a great person who came from a great family . R.I.L. Big Man. We lost a good one and God added another soldier. Love you all