Earl Edwards, age 78 passed away on May 2, 2024 following lengthy medical issues.
He was born in Statesboro Georgia in 1946, he was the son of Bruce and Adella Edwards. He was raised in Tampa and attended Blake High School. He attended Wichita State University on a football scholarship, where he was an All American candidate, left Wichita to play in the Canadian Football league for the Edmonton Eskimos. In 1969 the San Francisco 49ers acquired him for 11 players. He would go on to play for other teams Including the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Greenbag Packers, playing in the NFL from 1969-1980. He went on to coach at UNLV for 3 years before returning to Arizona State University to complete his degree in sports psychology, subsequently becoming the sports psychologist working with the ASU football team under Coach John Cooper. He went on to become the Player Program Coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. He also worked in athletic ministry for Athletes International Ministries and Meadowlark Lemons ministry. He consulted with “Kids For Tomorrow” working as a counselor, and then as a substitute teacher.
He will be remembered by his football teammates for his work ethic and contributions and was a relentless seeker for racial and social justice on and off the football field. He is remembered by his family for his big smile, big personality, sarcastic charm, and boundless tenacity. His commitment to help others when he could, and always wanting to stick his neck out and pass forward generosity for someone else encouraged others to follow in his footsteps. You always knew when you needed to “go to your room” with his stern eyebrow. He had a love for music, played a mean air guitar when he wasn’t playing his saxophone. He always was a father figure to anyone around him. You never entered or left his presence without one of his big hugs. He always entered the room with a distinctive flare. He was a big family man and made sure everyone felt loved and accepted. As a father figure to not only his own kids, he was respected and he touched a lot of lives through many generations, became a visionary to a great number of people and will be fondly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Janice Edwards and father to Reginald (Tracy) Edwards (deceased 2020), Sandi (Blaine) Ringham, Brandi Edwards, Gavin (Elle) Edwards and Damien (Katelyn) Edwards. Grandfather to Joseph Handy, Jerin Handy, JJ Edwards, Maya Edwards, Adonis Edwards.
The funeral memorial service will be held on June 8, 2024 at 2pm at Vineyard Gilbert Community Church 601 S Cooper Rd, Gilbert, Az, 85225. Family is requesting the wearing of bright colors to celebrate his colorful life.
VIA: https://www.azcentral.com/obituaries/pazs0829582
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