William Harry Edwards

William Harry Edwards (Bill) mostly known as “Papa,” to all of his family, friends, and neighbors, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 after a four-year battle with vascular dementia.  Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Lottie Edwards; brother Tom Edwards; and wife Virginia Edwards.  Bill is survived by his son Bill Edwards Jr; daughter Valerie Rue (Leonard Rue); granddaughters Jena Rue, Jackie Rue, (Cory Ross), and Brownie the cat.  Bill was born to Harry and Lottie Edwards in Des Moines, Iowa.  Bill moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico with his parents and older brother Tom in 1950.  He met the love of his life Virginia in 1951.  Bill and Virginia married on December 4, 1954 in Virginia’s parents’ home in Northwest Albuquerque.  Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1952 where he became a gunner on the B-36 Airplane.  Bill was stationed in Puerto Rico and Limestone, Maine.  Bill returned to Albuquerque in 1956 and he began working with Standard Oil Company where he took interest in full-service gas stations and traveled around the region as a regional representative.  In 1971 Bill and Virginia purchased a full-service Chevron gas station located on Rio Grande and I-40.  He retired in 1994 and began traveling and spending time with his two granddaughters.  Bill and Virginia began the food project at Rio Grande Presbyterian church which has become one of the biggest food projects in Albuquerque. Bill enjoyed many hobbies during his life including; baseball games, gardening, riding his Harley, golfing, and socializing with his neighborhood friends who were more like a family to him.  A heartfelt thank you to the Bustos family, Jones/Gurule family, and Rubyann Trujillo for all your love and care for Bill through the years.  The Rue Family would like to thank the Hospice Care Team with Presbyterian and nurse Jessica Sanchez for her exceptional care and guidance during this difficult time, and hospice Chaplin Fabian Juarez.  Special thank you to Pastors James Roark, John Roberts, Andrew Poe, and Scott Jimmerson of Sagebrush Church for the prayers and visits during the last weeks of his life. Pallbearers: Leonard Rue, Cory Ross, Derrick Bustos, John Jones, James Roark, and Mike Broderick.  Honorary Pallbearers: Buddy Frazier, Alan Dodd, Joe Espinosa, Richard Campos, Melanie Collier-Chapman, and Shelley Roupas. A Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Westside. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Sagebrush Church at 6440 Coors Blvd. NW with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 924 Menaul Blvd, NE.