Benjamin Houston Edwards passed away April 5, 2024 at the age of 81. He was born August 10, 1942 to the late Willie Dudley Edwards and Carrie Ruth Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Ruth Holley, Doris E. Zimmerman, James W. Edwards, Reverend W.N. "Sonny" Edwards, Lt. Col. John R. Edwards, Ret., bulldog, Buster and a host of deer and turkey.
Throughout his career, Houston ventured into various fields, showcasing his versatility and determination. From his days as a salesman at Central Alabama Dry Goods to owning the Selma area Roto-Rooter franchise until his well-deserved retirement, Houston's work ethic and business acumen were truly commendable. Not stopping there, he flipped countless houses in Selma and dabbled in numerous other ventures, establishing himself as a true jack of all trades.
However, beyond his professional successes, Houston will be fondly remembered for his infectious personality. He had a special gift for making people laugh and drawing them towards him with his warm demeanor. It was said that he never met a person he couldn't make smile and that he never knew a stranger. His ability to connect with others was truly remarkable.
In his leisure time, Houston indulged in his passion for hunting deer and turkey. An avid outdoorsman, he instilled this love for nature in his grandchildren, ensuring that they would carry on his legacy of hunting with pride and joy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years , Judith S. Edwards; children, Dee Edwards McBride and Alison Edwards (Brad) Engel; grandchildren, Carl M. (McKenzie) Engel, Michael Houston McBride, Elizabeth B. (Tyler) Englin, Judith Grace Engel and Katelyn E. Engel; great-grandchildren, Liam T. Engin and Declan J. Englin; brother, Michael L. (Charlette) Edwards, countless nieces and nephews and beloved dog, Gus who Houston trained to understand English.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Pastor Derek Logan officiating. He will be laid to rest at New Live Oak at a private service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page, at
www.facebook.com/LawrenceFH Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Edwards, Brad Engel, Eddie Pruett, Blake Edwards, Houston McBride, Carl Engel, Tyler Englin and Tim Kirchner.
The family will accept flowers, or you may consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.