Edwards, Ronald Kenneth (60) after fighting the good fight with dignity and grace, Ronald Kenneth Edwards went home to be with his Lord on Monday, December 11, 2017. The first child of Archie Edwards and Wilma Edwards, Ronald was born on Sunday, March 17th, 1957 in Fort Riley, Kansas. A loving and dedicated son and also a lifelong protective and loving big brother to Brenda Edwards and Diane Edwards.
After moving to California, the family settled in Compton where Ronald graduated from Compton High School before going on to the University of California, Irvine “UCI” where he majored in and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy. While attending UCI, Ronald and several friends came together to form Brothers and Sisters in Christ (“B.A.S.I.C.”), a Bible Study, worship and fellowship group. In B.A.S.I.C., the seeds of God’s Word were planted deep; the fruits of which can be seen today not only in the lives and ministries of those long ago students, but in the enduring love and friendships that were nurtured there.
After graduating from UCI, Ronald began his teaching career by working in a kindergarten class before moving on to teach middle and high school students in the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Ronald retired earlier this year after spending over thirty years as an educator. His last assignment was at the Los Padrinos (Juvenile Hall) facility, located in Downey, Ca.
He utilized his God-given gift of wisdom and ability to teach to positively influence at-risk youth. Ronald was both down to earth and cutting edge in his teaching style, earning him the love and respect of not only his students, but his colleagues and supervisors. A lifelong seeker of knowledge, Ronald went on to earn his teaching credential from Phoenix University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University.
He was pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling and was looking forward to completing his counseling clinical hours. Ronald received Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of eight. He was an active and supportive church member, regularly attending services and volunteering his time, res and energy to benefit the body of Christ.
Additionally, he was known as being kind and generous to those around him who were in need. Ronald was an avid sports fan (Go Dodgers! Go Rams!
) and enjoyed staying physically fit by running, playing tennis and working out at the gym. He enjoyed music, collecting art and reading. He was also an enthusiastic traveler and had the opportunity to see and experience many places in the world that he had long been fascinated with.
Behind Ronald’s deliberate (some would say “slow”) reactions, lay a sharp whit and a sly sense of humor. Ronald was always quick to rack a joke or make a funny observation. He was as joyous and full of good humor as he was kind, patient and wise.
Ronald will forever be remembered by his wife and best friend, Matiel, to whom he was married for 15 years and their daughter, Brandye; his mother Wilma Edwards; his sister Brenda Edwards; his step-brothers Alfred Dennis, Jr. (Adrena), Rodney Dennis (Rhonda), and Martel Dennis; his nieces Denea Lyons (Charles) and her son, D.J.; Victoria Wingo (Victor) and her children Carsen and Kennedi; his nephews Jonathan Massey (Keishonee) and his children Jeremiah and Dez and Joshua Massey (Clarissa), as well as extended family members dear friends, colleagues and students. Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Archie Edwards, step-father Alfred Dennis, Sr., step-brother George Dennis and sister, Diane Edwards. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Cottonwood Church located at 4505 Katella Ave.
, Building D Los Alamitos, CA. 90720 with Senior Pastor Bayless Conley presiding. A repast will immediately follow at Ronald and Matiel’s home; 8705 Belmont Street Cypress, Ca.
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