On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, Douglas “Duck” Edwards Sr. transitioned this life after battling multiple co-morbidity disorders. He was 76 years old and became weary of his life’s journey.
Duck was born to the union of Isiah Edwards, Sr. and Eddie Weese Edwards on May 16, 1943, in Brewton, Alabama. He was the eighth child out of fourteen children born to that union. Duck moved from Alabama to Florida to Buffalo and then finally, which his young family of five, made his home in Toledo. Early on, he felt the need to be a provider for the people he loved, starting with his beloved mother.
He began working at a young age and developed a work ethic that he instilled in his children who, at times, witnessed him working two jobs. Although he held many positions over the years, in 1996, he finally retired from Ford Motor Company after thirty years. Duck worked hard to make provisions for his family, yet he was still a man who found time to love, laugh and bring humor to any situation. Each year, as soon as the weather would allow, you would find him sitting on his porch, no matter where he lived, telling stories to his neighbors, including the mailman. Telling his stories was one of his favorite past times, but he enjoyed bowling even more. Put him in a bowling alley while telling his stories, and he was in his “happy” place. There was one more thing he truly enjoyed, and that was fishing on the weekends with his sons.
Dusk was a passionate man who lived life on his terms and chose to embrace each of his life’s roles with zeal. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. When he spoke of his children, he warmly referred to them as his greatest accomplishment and his grandchildren as the loves of his life. Family was a priority and keeping in touch with his siblings brought him joy.
Duck accepted Christ as a young man and demonstrated his love for Christ by how he treated his family, friends and strangers. He was a kind, giving, patient and loyal. He lived his life without any regrets and encouraged us all to do the same.
Duck was preceded in death by his mother, father and ten siblings.
Left to mourn his loss are his four children, Douglas Jr. (Duvall), Janice, David (Maria), and Jeffery Williams. Three of his loving siblings Eddie Joe, Leroy (Doris), and Edna, twelve grandchildren, five great- grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and many others who believed he was special.
That Man is a success – who leaves the world better than he found it;
Who has never lacked appreciation for life’s beauty or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
That man we sweetly call “DAD”.