Bedford D. Edwards

Bedford D. Edwards May 14, 1917 – November 5, 2006 Bedford Edwards passed away Nov. 5, 2006 in Waco following a long illness. Following private interment, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, at Seventh & James Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Bedford Edwards was born May 14, 1917, in Tennessee Colony, TX to Robert R. and Ruby Collins Edwards. He attended Baylor University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He practiced law in Waco for over 50 years, earning a reputation as an excellent trial lawyer and an advocate for the less advantaged. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy in San Diego, Calif., and in the European Theater. He remained in the Navy Reserve for many years, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He was a Mason, achieving the 33rd Degree, and a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies. He was active in the Waco community, serving as president of the Lions Club and in many civic and charitable organizations. He also enjoyed membership in the Sojourners and the Knife and Fork Club. Bedford was committed to Baylor, endowing scholarships in the Law School and the School of Music. He was a life member of the Alumni Association, the Old Main Society, and the Baylor Development Council. He was a long-time deacon at Seventh & James Baptist Church, where he served a number of terms as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and as Chairman of the Finance Committee. For many years, he taught a popular Sunday School class for college-age men. Bedford Edwards was a man of exuberance with a genuine concern for people, and he gave generously of his time and resources to help others. He loved Baylor and Seventh & James. He loved his family and most of all he loved his Lord Jesus Christ. We thank God for his love and his example. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers and sisters; and his cherished granddaughter, Carol Nelson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joyce Harlan Edwards; a daughter, Elaine Nelson and husband, David of Dallas; a son, Galen Edwards and wife, Cathy of Waco; a granddaughter, Harlan Nelson of Dallas; three grandsons, Ryan Edwards of Orlando, Fla., and Cameron and Austin Edwards of Waco; and a brother, Charles Edwards of Paso Robles, Calif. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association of North Central Texas, 3708 W. Waco Dr., Ste. 1, Waco, Texas 76710, the Alzheimers Association of North Texas, 7610 Stemmons Frwy., Ste. 600, Dallas, Texas 75247, or to Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn, Dallas, Texas, 75219. The family invites you to leave a message of memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey