Service Details
Services celebrating Roy’s amazing life will be next week Friday, February 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm in Christian Faith Fellowship Church, 3303 Nicholson Road in Franksville, with Rev. Willie Scott officiating. Visitation will be at Christian Faith Fellowship Church next week Friday from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Racine – Roy Lee Edwards, age 65; musical icon & legend in our community; passed away, surrounded with the love of his family, on Monday, February 11, 2019 at Froedtert Hospital –following a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
A lifetime resident, Roy was born the sixth of eight children, on December 6, 1953 in Racine to Earl O’Neal and Willie Lee (nee: Johnson) Edwards. He was a 1972 graduate of Washington Park High School and went on to attend Milwaukee School of Arts. He accepted Christ in his life at an early age and was a faithful member of Little Macedonia Church of God in Christ as a youth. With a continued faith in God, Roy was a proud member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church – leading by example to his children, family, and friends to walk with Jesus. Music was his passion and family was his everything!
He enjoyed quality time & daily conversations with his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Roy always had a smile on his face, and loved to laugh whether he was pulling a prank, playing cards, or telling a bad joke. He also loved his pets, spending time outdoors, gardening, grilling out, teaching his children to fish, relaxing in the backyard, decorating his home, riding motorcycles, watching a good movie, dressing with style and class – often accessorizing his outfit with a hat, Father / Daughter Dances, helping with homework, family movie & games nights, surprising loved ones with gifts & flowers, watching Sunday football, cheering on Brady’s basketball team, always spoke with “kid friendly” words – never cursing and was usually in search of a good deal or sale. Roy taught his family to believe in the best of everyone, and themselves. Roy encouraged all to work hard, and keep going even when times are rough, keep improving and aim for greatness. Roy was a phenomenal musician, versed on instruments including: drums, saxophone, harmonica, piano, many percussions and a lead singer, often playing more than one instrument and singing simultaneously. He was a drum teacher at Horst Music Store, Gary’s Music World, and Copy Cat Music. Roy even provided lessons to many at home. Over the years, Roy led and played in many bands such as Psychedelic Souls, Thunder Blue, Coffee, High Steppin, 3 Floors Up, Horst Polka Band, Loose Change, Mean Jake Band, Fun Factory, Chas B and the Black Cats, Luther Allison, Transition Band, Yadda Yadda Band, Group Therapy, and several other local bands. Roy also hosted many jam sessions at local venues, and performed at many festivals, benefits, and celebrations. In addition to being a full-time musician, he also was employed at Grove Gear and Specialty Tapes-where he met his wife, Julie, in 1992.
Surviving are his loving wife, Julie (nee: Holub) “Jules” Edwards of whom Roy was united in marriage with on June 30, 2001; children, Eric, Alicia, Joshua (Danny), Carly and Brady Edwards; grandchildren, Jacob, Adrian & Isabella Edwards; father, Earl Edwards; sisters & brothers, Ernestine Banks, James (Debbie) Edwards, Bobby (Amy) Edwards, Regina (Tarlochan) Rangi, Lolisa (Paul) Young and Charmane March; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Becky) Holub, Jr.; Diane Grant, Donald & Joseph Holub, Janet (Robert Jr.) Rosploch, James & Jerry Holub; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family & devoted friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
Roy was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Lee Edwards; infant twin grandsons, Eli & Avery Edwards; sister, Mary Edwards; and sisters-in-law, Helen (John) Lahn and Roberta Rosploch.
Services celebrating Roy’s amazing life will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 3:00 pm in Christian Faith Fellowship Church, 3303 Nicholson Road in Franksville, with Rev. Willie Scott officiating. Visitation will be at Christian Faith Fellowship Church on Friday from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the staff of CFAC7 at Froedtert Hospital and Horizon Home Care & Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Roy’s time of need. Also, special thanks to all our family & friends for the outpouring of love and expressions of kindness extended during Roy’s journey. May God bless all of you!
M. Samuel Reece says
To Roy’s beloved Familia, I pray God allow you, as He has Roy, to enjoin in the Peace of which we hope for. And like the journey of Roy’s amazing life, we supported him then and we now stand and support you his Familia. God’s Peace.
When we let the Son in, we shine. . .
C Gudbaur says
What a loss to the Racine community and his Family. His music and his wonderful personality will shine forever in our memories. My prayers are with his Family.
Ray & Joy Treu says
To Roy’s Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Roy was one of the kindest souls we have ever met. Always smiling. We know God’s band is playing some sweet music, now that Roy has joined it. May your wonderful memories, sustain you through this difficult time.
Letha Chattman says
I’m so very sorry to hear of Roy’s passing!! He was and will always be a awesome musician. He will be missed!! Praying for the family that God will let you keep long lasting memories.
Tina Davis says
Jules and family I’m soo very sorry about Roy!! Great man!!
Ministers; Mike & Cheryl McCrary says
Julie & Family,
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences upon you and your family. May the Lord shower His comfort, peace and wrap His arms of love around you all. Please let us know if you may need help with anything. Ps 23 Love & Blessings in Christ, Ministers; Mike & Cheryl McCrary
G Huckeba says
I am so sorry for your loss. May the ‘God of all comfort’ be with you at this difficult time. I have personally found comfort from the promise at 1 Corinthians 15:26 where it states that very soon ‘death will be brought to nothing’. Then, we have the prospect of being reunited with our loved ones right here on Earth (John 5:28,29). I truly hope this brings you comfort and peace. With deepest sympathies, Gra and family.
Tiffany Young says
I will truly miss you uncle Roy. I grew knowing and understanding you was one of A kind, all the positive and greatness was definitely embedd it in you!
I always admired your ability to flip a negative into a positive. Hands down very talented! I’m going to miss you. Love you so much!
Anonymous says
Praying the Edward family strength at this time may God continue to bless you and give you strength, you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Shirley Varnell and family
Wendy springhorn says
I am blessed to have known Roy in this lifetime . He was always there and always with a smile . He will be missed ❤️
Kevin Stellman says
Who is going to make me laugh now Roy? Your upbeat character was a many splendored thing. RIP buddy and we will see you on the other side………
Elizabeth Munger says
May God Keep and Bless The Family
Sallie McGaughey-Turko says
Sending prayers to family and friends!
Bruce & Gigi Oliver says
Deepest Condolences
Steve A Anton says
Roy will live on as a Racine music icon Legend and that’s pretty good thing to leave behind…. thanks for all the years of wonderful music Roy you will definitely be missed. my condolences go out to your family. R.I.P Roy
BUD HICKS says
GONE FROM OUR SIGHT,BUT NEVER FROM OUR HEART…. R.I.P. MR. EDWARDS………THANX FOR SHOWING ME SOME FUNKY LICKS ON THE BASS GUITAR…..WHAT AWESOME DRUMMER🎤MUSICIAN.
Tino says
Bless your beautiful soul Roy and to all who were fortunate to be touched by you.
Steve Klinkhammer says
Godspeed to Heaven Roy! The rhythm of your life and music will be felt for years to come!
With love & Deepest Sympathy! Denena Edwards says
To all of my loved ones;
Cousin Roy will be truly missed by all of us. His contagious smile and his music will live on forever. I always enjoyed listening to him play… He is no longer suffering but is resting peacefully. May we all be of comfort and strength to each other during this difficult time.
R.I.P Cousin
Roy Edwards!
ROB HICKS AND FAMILY says
REST IN PEACE MR. EDWARDS……THANX FOR GIVING ME A BASS TAB…. KEEP THROWING THEM STICKS MAN…….
Anonymous says
Roy was not only one of my favorite drummers but also one of my favorite people. I have not been in Racine for close to 30 years and have not kept in touch with Roy or anyone. But a special note to recognize a wonderful human being is in order. RIP Roy.
Bob Ozowski
Sarah Evangelista (née Lekas) says
I don’t know what to say because words will never be enough. I grew up knowing “Uncle Roy” and always loved hearing him play music with my dad. Roy always had a hug and a kind smile, no matter how long we went without seeing each other. I’m sending much love to all of his family. Until we meet again, Uncle Roy!
Angie Martinez says
My heartfelt condolences to Roy’s family he was such a kind gentle soul and he will be greatly missed. May God and His angels surround and comfort the family during this most difficult time..rih Roy
Suzanne Tracy says
Jules,
Praying for you and your family my friend! I have great memories of Roy and you and our fun times at Specialty Tapes!
I’m so very sorry for your loss!
Mark and Janet Shimkus says
To the family of Roy Edwards,
Our sincere condolences to your family. Roy was a great guy, great friend, and a wonderful drummer.
Mark and Janet Shimkus
Laurie (Schroeder ) Bertzyk says
So sorry and sad for your loss Julie and family ♡ Roy was an awesome man with a giant smile and great talent !
Big hugs to you all. We will all be together again ♡
James lee says
I lived on the same block on villa street and Racine back in the 80’s he use to all ways tell me the bass and the drums play together and he’ll let me watch him practice when I was a kid and a real mello man and he’s the one that influenced me to play Bass Guitar.RIP Roy 😢😢
Brenda Stroud says
Gone but never forgotten- RIP Roy!!!
Dave Jaeck says
Knew Roy going back to the late 80’s early 90’s. Lost touch as I moved out of town. Roy was a good musician and an all round good guy. May God Bless. Condolences to his family.
JAN Lowe Brown says
From your family in the south (New Albany MS and Memphis TN)., love and prayers to the family. Remember the FUN Times to get you through this hard time.
Love JAN
The Hayes Family says
From a family of musician ,he will be miss by all.
Hazel Ivy says
Roy Lee was my wonderful nephew. I remember him as always having that wonderful smile and pleasant disposition. He was a wonderful man with a beautiful family. His wife must be commended for her love and attentiveness to her husband and children. Roy Lee will be missed at the family gatherings. Love
Rose (Cruz) Ebanks & Bert Ebanks says
Roy was truly unique & once you met him, you never forget him! He was always open-minded, kind-hearted, talented, & most of all full of love for every one <3 He was not only a marvelous musician but a mentor to many & a friend to all, even strangers. I grew up in Racine & we all knew & loved Roy. When he entered with his huge smile, he lit up the whole room. I was deeply saddened by his passing but my fond memories of him will remain an important part of my life forever. And I urge each of you to embrace the goodness he shared with us & hold that close to your heart…especially when you are missing him now, as I am. Rest in peace my dear friend.
With love,
Rose (Cruz) Ebanks & Bert Ebanks
Cayman Islands
Mary Helena says
What a man. What a gift. What memories. What a legacy.
God’s presence be with the family.
Dennis Williams says
My condolences to the family, Roy’s voice will always be in my heart I can hear him always welcoming me and was always nice, straight forward with his words of kindness and encouragement I’ve hung out with him a couple times when he went to go play with his bands he will be missed.
Kathleen Rooney says
Hi Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss for your children! Roy was bigger than life in my home for about 6 years because my two daughters (jessie and Bobbi) took drum lessons from him. I actually had them interview different drum teachers in the area so they were a part of the process and Roy won them over with his smile and “chillness” and “coolness”. They learned a lot about music but more about life. He was such a great role model to them. He often talked about you and the kids….he was so proud of his family. I am sad that the Racine community has lost such a great asset. May God Bless you and your family,
Kathleen Rooney
Buddy and Joyce Smith says
Lisa, Charmane, Earnie, and family,
May God strengthen you now and forever during this difficult time.
Buddy and Joyce Smith
Hampton, GA
Sally Cobbler says
RIPIH my friend..Praying for family 🙏🏾Until we meet again love Sally Cobbler💖
Tammi J McCright says
My condolences to the Edwards family. Roy was a Racine County musical treasure. You are in my prayers.
Mark Lansing says
Dear Roy,
I will always know your spirit, when we meet again the lightness of your being will once again embrace me. You’re my musical Brother as well as spiritual.
I will miss your downbeat and upbeat demeanor. I’ll miss your smile and great bluesy voice. I will recall with fondness, the many, many hosted jam sessions and gigs with Doug Overstreet, Jimi Holsinger and the formation original Group Therapy band.
Until we meet again,
Mark Lansing
Angie Cantu says
Eric and Alicia,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not hear about your father’s passing until I saw his obituary today. I love you both so much! Prayers to your entire family!
Van Ormond says
I know Roy he will do the same thing in his new world as he did in this one.
Heaven has gained a musician and Roy is looking for something play.
So if anyone is thinking R.I.P. put an X on it , it aint happening so GO ROY !
ill see you again my freind.
To the family im happy for you that Roy was in your family and you knew him well.
Thomas Beach says
I had the honor of playing with Roy in Chas. B. & The Black Cats Band for almost three years. Roy was a solid drummer and I always enjoyed being the other half of the rhythm section with him. We had a lot of fun during our time together and I bring away many wonderful memories form that experience.
Roy was always a gentleman and the guy with the smile, laughed easily and brought out laughter in others just as easily. Despite the many years since I saw him, I will still miss him knowing he has passed on.
Rest well, Brother Roy. And God bless his memory and his entire family.
Tom