Mr. Willie Stanley “Billy” Edwards, age 78, a resident of 310 Riverside Road, Washington, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday morning, Nov. 13, 2011.

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. today at Oakdale Cemetery and will be conducted by Father Kevin Johnson. Mr. Edwards’ nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery and other times at the home.

Billy was born in Pitt County on Nov. 14, 1932, to the late Willie Silas Edwards and Margaret Robinson Edwards. He attended Pitt and Beaufort County Schools and Oak Ridge Military Academy. Billy was retired from the Jim Beam Corporation and was involved in the real estate business. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Merry Makers Supper Club, Herring Club and WYCC.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalyn, of the home; son, Bill Edwards and wife Jennifer of Florence, S.C.; grandchildren, Burke of Chapel Hill and Caroline of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his sister, Nancy Bienes and husband Jerry of Washington, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his brother Lester Edwards and his sister Margaret Alligood.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 85, Washington, NC 27889, or to the charity of one’s choice.

You may address condolences to the Edwards family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Edwards family.