So sorry for your loss, keeping you all in my prayers. I will always remember his kindness when on the occasions when I visited.

I feel very fortunate to have been a student at Central School in the 1970s when "Mr. Edwards" was our principal. It is a time in my life that I look back upon fondly, and I'll always appreciate how much he and my wonderful teachers at that school contributed to making me the person I am today.

I have fond memories of Mr.Edwards and I truly wish his family peace during this sad time . God bless Mr. Edwards and his family.

Thinking of you all knowing that your Dad's legacy lives on.

"Though the singer is silent, there still is the truth of the song." John Denver "On the Wings of a Dream".

I was never the greatest student, and I imagine not one of those that Mr Edwards ever quite woke up each morning waiting to see. But I will always remember him as being very kind and fair. And I am positive he even liked to laugh! A rarity of experience in my early schooling. Mr Edwards seemed to love what he did each day. And whether he loved what he did or just made us all feel he did, either are rare and special in a person. I am glad I was lucky enough to be one of his students when I went to Independence Township Grade School (1981 graduate). I will miss him.

To my fellow Brother in Arms, of the Greatest Generation: There was a sign that hung in the hall outside your office; "It's not you aptitude, but your additude, that determines your altitude" A motto for life. Your positive spirit and whistle will forever be ingrained in my soul. I've never spotted wingtips and not immediatley been tranported back to Central School! May you walk the halls of heaven in peace.

Respectfully,

Lieutenant Colonel

Patty (Solimene) Collins

Mr. Edwards was a real power figure in our k-8 years at Independence Central School. As an adult in the education field myself now I can appreciate the tight ship he ran there. The education we received was top notch. He really inspired an air of respect. Rest in peace, Mr. Edwards.

A wonderful man who will always have a special place in my heart. My days at Central School and seeing Mr. Edwards outside of his office in the hallway are some of my finest memories. My condolences to his family.

Mr.E was my mentor, role model and friend. He was the first principal I worked for and he helped me develop professionally. He valued his staff and had high standards for his building yet knew each of us personally. He had a great sense of humor and empathy for other things happening in our lives. I am blessed to have been influnced by this fine man and value the ways he has touched the lives of my family and me.

When faced with a family of six children to enroll all at once (increasing the school population by 1.5%, Mr. Edwards showed great panache, as always. He was an incredible leader of children and teachers.

Thank you Mr. Edwards for setting yourself apart by your manner and your actions. Thank you for running a school that gave me an education, and taught me so much.

We send our heart felt condolences to the family of this great man and mentor, his passing has caused great sorrow in our familys' hearts and we will never forget his caring and nuturing way....From Lee Smith and family in Greatmeadows, NJ.

Whistling and a smile, I am sure those wing tips are walking the halls of heaven now. Mr. Edwards was the epitome of wisdom, kindness and decency. He ran a tight ship at Central School in Great Meadows. Under his leadership so many of us were provided an outstanding education and an incredibly rewarding, indelible elementary school experience. Thank you, Mr. Edwards, thank you for your service to our country, for your dedication to Central School and for being my principal. God bless you and yours.

Memories of Mr Edwards way back when I attended Central School...one of the best influences in my childhood.

He will be missed.

I remember running and shouting with joy down the hall at Central after graduation to get my stuff from Mr. Munley's room, and Mr. Edwards asked why I was so happy. I told him I was so glad to get out of there, of course a typical kid response. He told me that someday I would miss Central and all it did for me. He was so right, and I think often of how that school molded lots of great people, and how instrumental he was in it. I have lots of fond memories of Central School, but Mr E's smiling face is at the top. Godspeed Mr. E.

I'll never forget Mr. Edwards whistling a happy tune as he moved through the hallways in Central School all those many years ago. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Thank you Mr. Edwards for making my elementary school experience a joyful one...

What can I say? I loved him like my own father. I'll always remember him driving us rollerskating on Sat night, banging on the piano keys while singing, and the day I accidentally said the "F" word in front of him....3 times! He was a ball of fun and a great person to know. I will miss him. Better than all his educational accomplishments, is the wonderful family he raised and the awesome people he surrounded himself with. I love you guys, call if you need me.

I was young when I knew him, I went to Independence Central School, but I remember him like it was yesterday.He was a wonderful man and enjoyed what he did and for me he made a difference in my life. Thank you and God bless you Mr. Edwards.

With sincere appreciation for all his years of service to the children of Independence Central School and the community. He will be remembered for his caring and fairness toward the many students/staff who were fortunate to have known him. With deepest sympathy to all his family members,

God touched the earth, and left a fingerprint named Bill Edwards. A caring, strong, smart quick witted man that always made us smile and laugh. He touched the lives of many people in such good ways. We will always smile when we think of him. May your memories bring peace to your heart.