Bill Edmondson

Rocky Mount -

William Henry “Bill” Edmondson, Sr., age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born June 12, 1936 to Lena Alford Edmondson and Robert Oscar Edmondson. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Andrews Edmondson; daughter, Karen Dew and her husband, Ricky; son, William Henry “Billy” Edmondson, Jr. and his wife, Monica; grandson, Allen and great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Baylee and Bentley. He is also survived by his siblings, Bob Edmondson, Martha Mayo, Jean White, Faye Phykitt, Sue Long; sister in law, Ruth Fish; brother in law, Tim Andrews and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Arlington Baptist Church for approximately 50 years and for the last several years attended Harvest Baptist Church.

He was a proud veteran, having served in the US Army in Korea. After his military service, he became a meat cutter for over 38 years at Big Star Foods and Piggly Wiggly. He felt like the employees at Big Star foods were his second family. After retiring he enjoyed helping out at their business, A New Day Child Care. He was the cook and loved the children as if they were his grandchildren.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and working in his backyard garden. He and his wife, Betty, loved canning pickles and preserves that he could share with friends and family. You never came to visit his home and left empty handed. He never met a stranger and was always a friend to anyone in need. 

A service to remember Bill's life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 31 at Harvest Baptist Church, 2325 Old Mill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Burial will follow at Conetoe Methodist Church Cemetery, 100 Hicks St., Conetoe, NC.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Harvest Baptist Church or charity of your choice.

My Goodbye to Bill, My Love

I met you when I was 19 years old, still a teenager. You were 26.

I always heard of love at first sight, it must have been for us because we first dated in August, engaged in December and married in March. Of course, I did not get my ring until the next day after you ask me because you said you were not going buy me a ring until you were sure I would marry you

We were so happy when God blessed us with our first child, Karen Lynn. We had a time naming her, Karen Lynn, because the name had to be just right for your baby girl. She was Daddy's girl for sure because even before she could walk, she would stand at the door and cry "Go bye bye with Daddy." When she was two years old we decided it was time for another child and God blessed us with a boy, William Henry Edmondson, Jr. He was Daddy's boy. I had the prettiest blue gown for him and you said "Take that gown off my boy." He is a boy and he does not need to wear that thing.

When she was young, your daughter decided it was time to marry Ricky Dew. We were sad at first because she was so young, but when we were blessed with a grandson, Ricky Allen Dew, Jr., we were so happy. We called him Allen and he called you “boy”.

You loved your garden and loved to share your vegetables. You loved canning pickles and preserves. I would say we had enough and you would say "Well we got the stuff and somebody can use them."

You loved to cook and you and I were always happy to deliver food from B&B's Restaurant (Betty & Bill's) to the sick or shut ins. You loved having friends and family come eat with us. You loved animals and especially your cats, Patches and Eddie.

Your present cats, Randi, Princess and Fred. Animals must have loved you because you stopped at the store and a dog jumped in the truck and soon became our new pet, BJ. The outdoor animals loved you and you always found a place for you to feed them. Nothing was ever thrown away it was saved for the critters.

You formed a special bond with my Brother, Tim, when he came to live with us about six years ago. He always asked every morning "Old man how do you feel today?" Since he loves God as much as you did, there was always a good conversation about the Bible. Your faith and church life has alwas been a light to others.

Now is time for your labor to end and to join your Savior in Heaven. I think God would say "Well done good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23. The Bible said that David was a man after God's own heart. I think that God would think the same of you. Know that I will always love you and miss you. I know you are happy with family and friends and will be saving a place for me.

You know I loved to collect my little angels. The Bible says in Psalm 91 that God's angels watch over us so I know mine is watching over me.

Love always, your Betty