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!

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.