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Samuel Wallace Edwards, Jr., 82, of Williamsburg, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior for eternal rest surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. Wallace Edwards was born on December 13, 1930 to Mr. and Mrs. S. Wallace Edwards Sr. of Surry, VA.
Wallace Edwards grew up in Surry, VA and graduated from Surry High School in 1948. He graduated from Massey Business School in Richmond, VA. An American Patriot, Wallace Edwards joined the United States Army in 1954 and served in Panama and Maryland in the Military Police Corps.
Following in his father's footsteps Wallace was a second generation curemaster of S. Wallace Edwards and Sons Inc. for over 50 years.
Responsible for developing and maintaining a positive business image among the Virginia Ham industry and the community with a reputation for honesty, integrity, quality, and superior service. Wallace Edwards served as President of S. Wallace Edwards and Sons Inc., of Surry, VA for over 30 years. A lifelong member of the Surry United Methodist Church, he served as past Chairman of the Church Administrative Board. He was recognized as a community and industry leader as evidenced by positions as Director and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of First Virginia Bank; Charter Member and past President of Surry County Chamber of Commerce; Director of the Surry County Educational Foundation; Member of the Tidewater Academy Board of Directors; Past Vice President of the Virginia Meat Packers Association; Director of the National Country Ham Association; Director at Large of the Appomattox Basin Industrial Development Company; Trustee of the A.P.V.A.; Charter and Board member of the Surry, Co. Historical Society and Museum Inc.; and a former member of Williamsburg Middle Plantation.
Wallace was passionate about the historical preservation of the Jamestown Scotland Ferry started by his maternal grandfather, Captain Albert F. Jester. He will forever be remembered as a true Virginia gentleman of honor and integrity, who passed on a heritage of great national culinary traditions for future generations.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Wallace Edwards was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Edwards Harte; father, S. WallaceEdwards, Sr.; and mother, Oneita J. Edwards. Natives of Surry, VA, Wallace and his wife relocated to the Williamsburg Landing in 2006.
He leaves behind his loving wife of over 59 years, Yvonne B. Edwards, of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by his son, Samuel W. Edwards III and his wife, Donna W. Edwards, of Surry, VA. Other survivors include his granddaughter, Stephanie A. Edwards and her fiancé, Thomas R. Sutton; and grandson, Samuel W. Edwards IV; sister, Oneita Mae Johnson; his late daughter's husband, Paul Harte; and many nieces and nephews.
The Edwards family will receive friends at Nelsen Funeral Home, in Williamsburg, VA, on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service for family and friends will be held at the Surry United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Ray Rowland presiding. A graveside service will follow at Old St. Luke's Cemetery in Smithfield, VA.
Memorial donations may be made to the Surry United Methodist Church, Sanctuary Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 118, Surry, VA 23883; the Surry County Historical Society, Captain John Smith Project, P.O. Box 262, Surry, VA 23883; or to the Parkisnson Place, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Suite 100
Sarasota, FL 34232.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 25, 2013
Coni & Richard Johnston
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with Vonnie and all the family in this time of great loss. Wallace was a fine man and it was our honor to call him our friend.
September 25, 2013
Johnny Ward
My parents, Selma and the late John Ward, Sr., and I had many wonderful times with him and Vonnie, H.B. and Neita, and his parents - I sang for them at church, swam at Scotland, had many great meals at their home and H.B. and Neita's next door, and grew up with Samuel and Amy (and David, Ben and Diane). Our family won't be able to attend, but rest assured our hearts are with you all.
September 25, 2013
Melanie Wright
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember back when I used to work for him, his smile was always so welcoming and warm. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with the family in this time of sadness.
September 24, 2013
Loretta McCormick
Mr Wallace Edwards was our land lord during early 70's and i send my condolences to the family. My prayers are with you.
Loretta McCormick
Yorktown, VA
September 24, 2013
Pete Gwaltney
I m so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Edwards. He was great man and wonderful boss. I cherish the memories of my time spent around him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Godspeed.
September 24, 2013
Dorothy Savedge
My Thoughts and Prayers are with You at this Time
Dorothy A. Savedge
September 24, 2013
Susan Hall Goodin
Edwards Family,
I are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Edwards was such a respected man in the Surry Methodist Church and in the Surry community. He was held in high regard by all. My prayers and blessings are sent to everyone in the extended Edwards family. Please let us know if I can help in any way. May God continue to bless each of you.
September 24, 2013
Wallace was one of the most admired members of our Middle Plantation Club. We will sorely miss him.
God bless all your family in these difficult hours.
On Behalf of all members of the Middle Plantation Club
Dan Malone, President
September 23, 2013
Charley Rogers
Mr. Edwards will surely be missed at the Williamsburg Jamestown Airport. It was a pleasure to have him visit us.
September 23, 2013
Penny Hite
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Edwards family. What a wonderful Christian man. His family was the most important thing in his life. He was a very successful business man who was known for his honesty, wit and wisdom.
He touched the lives of many and was truly an icon in the community for many years.
He has gone home to watch over Amy now.
Sincerely,
Larry & Penny Hite
September 23, 2013
John & Cathy Kirkland
We are very sorry for your loss. We know that Mr. Edwards will be sorely missed. May great memories of a wonderful man give you peace and comfort in the days and years to come.
September 23, 2013
Julie (Holland) Morris
God bless and keep you during this difficult time. I have fond memories of serving Mr. Edwards and his family during my time as a waitress at the Surrey House Restaurant. He was a true gentleman and a pillar in the Surry community. Thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy and condolences.
September 23, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Tony Cox and all of us at 5th Food Group
September 23, 2013
Duke Diggs
Sincere condolences to Sam, Donna, Oneita Mae and all the family from Duke Diggs and all your friends at Duke Communications.
September 23, 2013
May all your wonderful memories be a comfort to you in this time of loss and sadness.
With our deepest sympathy, Jim & Sandy Padgitt (Goodyear, AZ)
September 23, 2013
Dianna McGuriman Keen
Mr. Edwards was a true Southern gentleman. I had the pleasure of working for the Edwards family for a few years. He was always gentle with criticism and quick with praise. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
September 23, 2013
Marge Baird
Yvonne and family,
Sorry to hear about Wallace. I have always treasured him as a good friend. My sympathy to all.
September 23, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With Sympathy, Eugene and Debbie Gwaltney
September 23, 2013
Mike Kiefer
Our most sincere condolences for your loss.
Mike Kiefer
September 23, 2013
We will greatly miss a wonderful uncle and a man who carried on our grandfathers legacy and southern values. Our love and thoughts for Vonnie, Sam, Stephanie and Sammy.
Di
September 23, 2013
Harold Jones
Those of us in American Legion Post 160, Surry, will miss having him as a member!
September 23, 2013
Nona Barnes
So sorry for your loss my prayers go out to the family.
September 23, 2013
William West
Words can not express the hole in my heart, as Wallace was a big part of my life growing up in Surry. He did not believe it but he was 30 days other than me. My love and prayers.
September 22, 2013
Rose Stalnaker
My heart is heavy....Wallace was a wonderful country gentleman and I so loved telling him jokes. Eddie said he was the smartest man he knew and was always kind enough to give good advise and support. A true, true Country Gentleman. Our love to the family, and prayers for comfort. God bless you all....Eddie and Rose Atkins Stalnaker
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