Obituary of Ura L. Edwards
Ura L. “Buddy” Edwards left this earthly life and entered eternity on Thursday, May 9, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Choate Edwards, son, Kent Edwards, and sister, Vivian Nielsen. Buddy is survived by his daughter and grandchildren: Allison Edwards Smith (David) of Houston, Davis Smith, Angele Smith, and Amaris Smith of Houston. Buddy is also survived by his niece Charlotte Humphries, of Atlanta, TX, and beloved extended family, Yolanda Ibanez of Richmond, TX, and Michael Ibanez of Pittsburgh, PA.
Buddy’s family worked and lived on a cotton farm when he was born at home on October 3, 1930. He was welcomed by his parents Gladys Lynn Edwards and Pierce H. Edwards, and older sister Vivian. Very humble beginnings with abundant love would describe the early years of the Edwards home in Taylor, Arkansas. In the early 40s, the Edwards family moved to Texarkana, TX, where Buddy attended local schools, earned his Eagle Scout Award, and graduated from Arkansas High School. With his large frame and agile body, he was known as a stellar athlete and was scouted by many football coaches during his last year in high school. With the guidance of dear family friend and mentor, John Holman, Buddy accepted a scholarship to play football at Rice University under legendary coach, Jess Neely. Shortly after graduating from Rice in 1955, Buddy began his career as a concrete salesman for Parker Brothers. After several years in the concrete business, Buddy started his own custom homebuilding company (U.L. Edwards Builders) and built homes in Houston and surrounding areas until his retirement in 2015.
It was during Buddy’s college career that his life changed forever when he married Carol Choate Edwards in 1953. Buddy loved his family dearly and was an excellent provider. In 1966, the Edwards moved their family to their country home near Fulshear, TX. Over the years, the Edwards home included many cats, dogs, and horses – all were dearly loved and treasured. Buddy built and lived in several beautiful homes in the Fulshear area and in August 2015, Buddy and Carol moved to Houston to live with their daughter Allison and family.
Known as a gentle giant, Buddy’s warm heart and generous nature endeared everyone who met him – he never met a stranger and was keenly interested in those around him. As a delightful storyteller, he often shared wonderful stories about football and friends during his collegiate days at Rice. Buddy was an avid sportsman and loved the camaraderie he shared with friends during countless deer and bird hunts. His weekends were often spent smoking a brisket or barbecuing chickens for Saturday afternoon ‘lunner’ - he was a BBQ master! Buddy loved a good cup of hot coffee and shared many a cup ‘shooting the bull’ with friends at Schultz Store and Joseph’s Coffee Shop in Richmond.
Buddy became a Christian as a young child. He and Carol loved their church homes throughout their life together which include: St. Mark Episcopal Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Grace Community Bible Church (founding member), and Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX. In his later years, Buddy looked forward to watching Dr. Ed Young on the “Winning Walk” every Sunday morning. He was a former member of the Greater Houston Home Builders Association, a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a President of the Ft. Bend County Fair.
The family would like to thank his many doctors and caregivers who took excellent care of him in his later years and most recently, the loving nursing staff at Heritage Park Katy Nursing Home.
A private graveside service will be held for immediate family members. Friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm, in the Chapel at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Dr., Houston TX 77024. The family will receive guests at a reception following the Celebration of Life in Tallowood’s Fellowship Center.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)