A. Ray Edwards passed away February 23, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, at age 84 after a long battle with heart problems.

Ray was born in Galax, Virginia, October 20, 1933. After graduating High School, Ray joined the Army. After being Honorably Discharged from the Army he worked for a short time in a cigarettes manufacturing plant in Roanoke, Virginia.

He was hired by Eastern Airlines in 1995 as an Apprentice Mechanic. After earning his FAA A and P (Airframe and Power Plant) license he worked as a Line Mechanic. When Eastern initiated a new training program called the “Staff Assistance Program”, Ray was one of the first employees chosen for the program. The program was designed to train employees for top management positions at Eastern. Ray was assigned to work for David Miller, Vice President of Industrial Personal Relations (IPR). Ray was subsequently promoted to “Manager, FAA Liaison: working directly with the local FAA and Eastern management personal. After a few years in that position he returned to IPR where he met his wife Joanne.

Ray retired from Eastern in 1990 and shortly thereafter was hired by the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) to operate the Miami office. His office was located in the Eastern Airlines Credit Union Building in Miami Springs, Florida.

Ray is survived by his wife Joanne, daughters Kathy and Vicki. He is predeceased by a son Ronnie and Skippy.

Ray loved the United States of America and flag. He was easy going. Grew up with 7 brothers and 1 sister; well respected his entire life with family and friends.

Kathy, Ray and Joanne used to go on trips in his van. He enjoyed country music, dancing with his wife and Eastern Airlines people. He is the only one who gave PBGC parties to his employees, celebrating their special occasions and sat outside giving children candy every Halloween. We will greatly miss Ray, a wonderful step-dad who was awesome with crafts.

Him and his wife went to The White House while Bill Clinton was in office. Ray really enjoyed life but now he is happy in Paradise with God and meeting wonderful people. He loved Roma, Star and Jasper, the dogs who gave him comfort.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 1, 2018, starting at 3:00 PM with Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 4:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, his family would like for a donation to be made in Ray’s memory to a charity of your choice.