<p>Sgt. Leon Silas Edwards, Jr., age 77, of Antioch, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.</p>
<p>Born on April 4, 1948, in Leflore County, Greenwood, Mississippi, he was the beloved son of the late Leon Edwards Sr. and Evelyn Witty Edwards. Sgt. Edwards was raised in the Baptist Town neighborhood of Greenwood, where his roots in faith, family, and community began. He was a proud graduate of Threadgill High School, Class of 1966.</p>
<p>Sgt. Edwards served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, enlisting in 1968 and completing his honorable service in 1972. He was stationed at multiple posts including the Marine Barracks in Boston, Massachusetts, and served with distinction in Co C, 1st Bn, 2d Mar, 2d MarDiv, FMF, Cam Lộ, Vietnam. He held the role of Mortarman and received training in small arms. His dedication earned him numerous honors, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>National Defense Service Medal</li>
<li>Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 Stars</li>
<li>Vietnamese Campaign Medal with Device</li>
<li>Combat Action Ribbon</li>
<li>Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Palm and Gold Frame</li>
<li>Good Conduct Medal with Star (Third Award)</li>
<li>Two Meritorious Masts</li>
</ul>
<p>During his service, Sgt. Edwards also worked as a chef-a skill he carried with him throughout life, known for cooking soulful meals for his family with love.</p>
<p>After returning home, Sgt. Edwards continued his life of service as a police officer with the Greenwood Police Department. He was also a proud member of the Royal Men's Club of Greenwood. A man of strength, resilience, and principle, he remained a pillar of his community and a protector of his loved ones.</p>
<p>In his later years, he found joy in listening to blues music, cooking, and being surrounded by his family. He was known as a hardworking man who never wavered in his love and commitment to those he held dear.</p>
<p>Sgt. Edwards was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Edwards Sr. and Evelyn Edwards, and his step-daughter, Ingrid Williams. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Parlee Edwards; his children: Terrance, Irwin Sr., Gerald Sr., Lewis, Leontyne, and Tabitha; grandchildren: Linda, Anna, Nathaniel, Irwin Jr., Gerald Jr., Alexia, Isabella, Tyson, A'Delia, Devon, Jaelynn, Javon, Malik, and Malcom; five great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Ruthy, James, and Mary, along with a host of extended family members and cherished friends.</p>
<p>Pallbearers include Lewis, Malik, Malcolm, Javon, and Devon.</p>
<p>Memories and condolences may be shared at <a href="http://www.inlyf.com">www.inlyf.com</a>.</p>