George William Edwards, Jr.

George William Edwards, Jr., passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on December 17, 2023, in Jackson, MS. He was born on January 26, 1939 to George William Edwards, Sr. and Sara Griffin Edwards in Tupelo, MS.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Mayne Edwards and two sisters, Dee and Judy.

On August 29, 1998 George married Donna Edwards and have enjoyed 25 years together until his death with her by his side. George is survived by his two daughters, Alison (Greg), Kim (Sam) along with Ellen (Tim), Eric (Jodi); grandchildren Jesica (Laurence), Clark (Shelby), Brock, Forrest, Ryan (Kaylee), Avery, Landry, Anna (Payton), Emma, Annalise, Mia & Lucah . As well as great grandchildren, Laurence Matthew, William and John. His brother, James Dallas "Butch" Edwards (Cathy) also survives him. 

George graduated from Central High School in Jackson and attended Hinds Community College and Millsap’s College where he studied to be a minister. He served honorably in the Mississippi National Guard. After college he started his construction career with the Bailey organization on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the early 1960's. He along with his friend, Dalton McGuire, managed construction projects of all types along the Gulf Coast and later formed McGuire – Edwards Reality, Inc. In 1990, he moved back to Brandon and managed the Hamilton and Loveless Jackson office and created H & E Builders, Inc. developing subdivisions, condominiums and apartment complexes in Rankin County and the surrounding area. In his 40 plus years in the homebuilding industry he built over 2000 homes. He took great pride in being part of the American dream of home ownership.

His professional accomplishments included President of Mississippi Coast Homebuilders Association; President of the Jackson Homebuilders Association; President of the Mississippi Homebuilders Association; Regional Vice President National Homebuilders Association; Board Member of the Mississippi State Board of Contractors; Mississippi Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 2004; Sales Manager for Coast Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. Long Beach MS; President of Planning Commission Gulfport MS; Member Gulfport Yacht Club; Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. In 2012 The Mississippi Legislature passed Resolution 677 commending George for his committed dedication to The Mississippi State Board of Contractors.  He was Rotarian of the Year for 2003 for The Rankin County Rotary Club where he served as President.  George was a 32nd Degree Scottish Royal Arc Mason.  He also volunteered for St Jude's Children's Hospital. 

He loved to farm raising Quarter Horses & Tennessee Walkers along with other animals. He enjoyed his dirt track car #32, wing hunting and fishing. He instilled the love of the outdoors into all his sons-in-law and grandkids. You could always count on him to bring life into any gathering with his passion for music & dancing especially at a Mardi Gras Party!

Funeral services were held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 22, 2023 at Parkway Funeral Home & Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS.

The family requests memorials may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate or by mail 501 St Jude Pl Memphis TN 38105.

The family would like to thank everyone who has ever shared a kind word or wish with George throughout his life as well as those who have supported him during this last year.  "To God be the glory for the things He has done" Acts 17.   May God Bless All Who Knew Him!