Ralph Eugene Edwards

Ralph Eugene Edwards, age 71, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024 in Ocean Springs, MS.

Mr. Edwards was born on July 28, 1952 in Selma, AL. Growing up in a military family, he experienced life in many different places including San Antonio, TX and Raunds, England. His family then returned to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

At the age of 18, Mr. Edwards joined the United States Navy. He spent the majority of his naval career on the West Coast as a sailor in the Westpac fleet. While in the Navy, he performed several jobs including aviation boatswain’s mate, flight deck firefighter, and firefighting instructor. Mr. Edwards returned home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast near the end of his 22 year career in the United States Navy. He was passionate about his service in the Navy and loved to tell stories of the experiences he had while serving.

Mr. Edwards is preceded in death by his parents, Roy L. and Elizabeth Edwards; his brother, James “Jim” Edwards; and his beloved son, Jonathan “John” Edwards.
 
Survivors include his daughter, Marivel Watson (Brandon); grandchildren: Mylie Jackson, Adrianna Jessee, Makaela Davis, and Bradley Watson; brother, Roy “Eddie” Edwards; sister, Susan Creel; sister-in-law, Retha Ann Edwards; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, PupPup.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oligophrenin Foundation to help with research into OPHN1 treatment. Donations can be made at https://ophn1.org/donate.

A graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:00 am.