November 30, 2012

Rudolph Edwards Sr., 81, of Deer Path Road in Suffolk, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late Simon P. and Virginia B. Edwards. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Wendell Edwards, Herman Baker and Wilbert Scott.

He attended East Suffolk High School. He was self-employed and the owner of Edwards Farms. Mr. Edwards was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. He was a member of the W.E. Jackson Masonic Lodge No. 96. Mr. Edwards was an avid hunter and fisherman and was known throughout the community as the “Watermelon Man” and “Bunny Rabbit.”

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Shirley Edwards; three daughters, Shirron Brisseau (Anthony) stationed at Okinawa, Japan, Shirnell Baker (Dennis) of Newport News and Shirnita Davis of Windsor; one son, Rudolph Edison Edwards Jr (Regine) of Suffolk; grandchildren, Shavon Smith, Thaddeus Smith, Taliyah Edwards, Audre’ Davis, Reginald Davis and Aiden Edwards; three step-grandchildren, Da’Shia Baker, Dennis Baker Jr. and Kierra Baker; brothers-in-law, Earl Mayfield (Constance), Pernell Mayfield, Daniel Mayfield (Glenda), Robert Mayfield (Renee) and Caroll Brown; sisters-in-law, Ruth Edwards, Carnell Goodman, Linda Little, Everne Joe and Vivian Knight; special nephew, Justin Knight; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at Piney Grove Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Larry J. Parker. Interment will be in Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Crocker Funeral Home from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.