William "Bill" Edwards

Orlando, FL - William (Bill) Edwards of Orlando, FL passed away on November 28, 2023.  He was with his loving family and passed away gently in his home.  He was 87 years old.

Bill was born in Cortland, NY in 1936.  He was the son of the late Mary Kathryn Haster and Charles Milford Edwards.  He attended Cortland High School.

Bill described himself as a “jack of all trades and a master of none”.  He applied his attention to detail skills in a wide range of professions.  Following high school, Bill worked at the Cortland Home Dairy developing his baking and cake decorating skills.  In later years, as Bill’s nieces and nephews grew older and married, having a wedding cake “decorated by Uncle Bill” was a family treasure!!  In addition, Bill worked at Durkees Bakery and Coca Cola.  In his spare time, he took dancing lessons and eventually taught at the Arthur Murray dance studio.  He could always be seen on the dance floor at any social occasion. 

Bill married Donna Darling in 1960 and moved north to Lafayette, NY in 1962. As their family grew, Bill worked at the Syracuse University School of Forestry both outdoors in the woods as well as applying his detail skills building cabinets.

In 1969, Bill and Donna took their five children and moved to Westbury, NY.  He initially worked for Byrne Dairy driving the milk truck; he then applied his earlier developed baking skills and opened a donut shop in the nearby town of Wolcott.  Bill later joined the Red Creek Central School System working in the grounds and maintenance department; eventually managing the bus garage maintenance and operation and retired after 25 years of service.  In addition, Bill and Donna were active in the Red Creek Community Players performing in many plays and they also hosted multiple Muscular Dystrophy backyard carnivals including appearances by Salty Sam (the local celebrity). 

In 1994, Bill and Donna left the north snow and followed two of their seven children to the warmer climate of Orlando, FL.  Bill worked in the Orange County Public School System Transportation Department for an additional four years.

Bill loved being “Grandpa” and shared his many hobbies and interests with his family members.  His interests included:  cars and motorcycles, (he owned multiple motorcycles; Hondas, Benelli’s and Harley Davison’s to name a few); building model trains; and he continued applying his acting skills when participating in the Halloween Haunted Houses at his son Tim’s house.

Bill was predeceased by his son, Dale, “Chip”; sister, Elizabeth Dawn; and brothers, Jack, Jim, and Tom.  He will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Joseph, his wife, Donna, and his children, Michele, Theresa (Tom), Tim (Mary), Kathryn, David (Rose), Scott (Teresa), and Brian (Shawna) along with 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren as well as countless friends and family.  A celebration of his life will take place in the future.  Details to be provided when available.