Edmonds, Paul Edward

Paul Edward Edmonds (Gabby), 85, passed away November 26, 2011 in Giles Community Hospital after a brief period of illness. He was living in Rich Creek, Va. at the time of his death but spent most of his adult years in Charlotte, N.C. He married Maxine Marie (Furr) Edmonds on July 1, 1950. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2011. He is survived by his two daughters, Vicki and her husband David Hornsby of Starkville, MS and Sandy and Greg Daniel of Blacksburg VA, as well as grandson Joseph C Daniel and a granddaughter Amy Hornsby. He will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family appreciates all that knew him and will miss him. Paul was born in Weaverville, N.C. on January 20, 1926 to Hezron and Jo Diora Edmonds. He was educated at Flat Creek High School in Buncombe County North Carolina graduating in 1943. Paul served during World War II in the United Sates Army Air Corps with the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, and was stationed on Guam. He was a Tech Sergeant that flew 35 missions over Japan during the last few months of the war as a top gunner in B29 Bombers. He was awarded the following metals during the war: Air Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, good conduct medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. After the war he became an ironworker, working for the Southern Iron Workers Union. He was a member of many groups including: the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, American Legion Post #0287 of Charlotte NC, and the Masons, Newell Lodge #739. He maintained his membership with the 19th Bombardment Association until his death. For many years he was a member of the Newell Volunteer Fire Department. Private Funeral Services will be held at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, Va. Paul will be buried at the Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg. The family appreciates the excellent care given to him by the Staff of Riverview Nursing Home and the Giles Community Hospital. Paul loved animals and in honor of his passing, we would request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local Humane Society. A celebration of his life will be held later in Charlotte. Arrangements made by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Virginia.