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Roy Edenfield

July 9, 2020

Roy Earl Edenfield, photographer, daylily enthusiast, antique tractor fanatic, and eternal optimist, died peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2020 following a brief illness at the age of 76. His passion for beautiful flowers, particularly daylilies (meaning “beauty for the day”), was indicative of his unwavering dedication to finding beauty and meaning in all situations. He had a zest for life, with unmatched enthusiasm for creating and capturing beautiful moments and cultivating delicious fresh fruits to share with his beloved daughters (Angela, Tami, and Teresa) and grandchildren (Aleisha, Kristan, Michaela, and Josh). His relentless optimism, curiosity, and inquisitiveness were trademarks, and he lived by the motto, “the only bad question is the one you don’t ask.” All who knew him will have enduring memories of his uncanny ability to generate questions and make even the most mundane topic richly intriguing. Roy maintained a youthful exuberance for learning throughout his life that will be remembered and carried on by the countless lives he influenced.

Roy was born February 18, 1944 in Alliance, Florida to Vernice and Bufford Edenfield. He was an only child, and the first in his family to pursue college education to quench his thirst for knowledge. He developed an early appreciation for hard work, accountability, and going above and beyond to provide for family and loved ones. He instilled the importance of discipline, loyalty, lifelong learning, and relentless strength and perseverance in his daughters, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched through the world of women’s athletics.

Roy was passionate about travel. Most often he was chasing one of his daughters, granddaughters, or the many young athletes he was proud to support around a softball diamond or volleyball court. He also thrived on visiting his adopted family of antique tractor enthusiasts at a “Cub Fest” somewhere along the beautiful countryside. Undoubtedly, every trip was slowed down by his miraculous ability to spot an old tractor hidden in the landscape that should be admired and “might just need a new home!”

The family would like to thank the many friends and extended family who have expressed love, support, and appreciation for the impact Roy had on their lives. In addition, the family extends sincere gratitude to the medical teams at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL for the excellent care and compassion provided to Roy and his family. While his love of the FSU Seminoles was the source of many good laughs during his time in “gator country,” he found comfort, support, and a wonderful outlet for his endearing sense of humor during his final days. As a consummate peace maker, perhaps his final mission was to bridge diplomatic relations between rivals…or, simply convince a few more souls why Garnet and Gold are the only colors to sport!

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Guestbook

  1. So many memories with this special man & his wonderful family! I know he is so proud of Michaela, as he should be! Praying for you all & love y’all always! 

  2. Roy was a wonderful friend who opened his home to all Cub tractor fans every February. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his many friends and family.

  3. To the Edenfield Family,
    I pray God continues to strengthen you all during this most difficult time. I have fond memories of Mr. Roy, he was a great example of an all around great human being! 

  4. May God comfort you at this difficult time. Roy was always such a bright presence at all the CubFests he attended. We will always remember his wonderful smile and how welcoming he always was. I know that he is smiling down on all of you and will be watching over you .

  5. It just won't be the same without you Mr. Edenfield. But just know that we will cheer for the Seminole Softball team for you (even tho I'm a Hurricane fan lol). Thanks for bringing so much joy to our lives. I miss you already!!💔

  6. So many memories with this special man & his wonderful family! I know he is so proud of Michaela, as he should be! Praying for you all & love y’all always! 

  7. My trip with Ron Luebke to Mr. E's tractor event this past February was my first. Though I have family in the nearby Dothan, AL, Blakely, GA, and Shellman, GA areas, I had nearly forgotten the charm held by that land and its fresh country air. Mr. E was also like a breath of fresh air. His enthusiasm for tractors and people was palpable. While Ron and the guys would take off on the tractors, I walked the acreage over and over in a peaceful meditation. Mr. E gave that to everyone along with camaraderie and a giving spirit. I'm glad to have been lucky enough to meet him. Rest in peace.

  8. Mr. Roy was great to talk to about anything.  He loved his family and his friends.  He will be greatly missed.

  9. Roy was a faithful community involved person as well as a loving family man. I cherish the memories of him helping me work with the girls little league team. May God comfort the family. Prayers for all. 
    Patti F Hester 

  10. May God comfort you at this difficult time. Roy was always such a bright presence at all the CubFests he attended. We will always remember his wonderful smile and how welcoming he always was. I know that he is smiling down on all of you and will be watching over you .

  11. I have many memories of Mr. E. From my high school years.  He was a devoted band and sport parent. He not only supported his daughters but those that participated with them with his ever present smile and words of encouragement.  Many prayers of love and peace to the Edenfield family. 

  12. Michael and the entire family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as I send my condolences.
    There are many things in this brutal world that we have to accept with a hard heart, that thing we do not know but we have to learn them and there are people we cannot live without but we have to let him/her go.

  13. I don’t have the proper amount of words to tell you all how much Roy meant to me and my family. I called him REE & he called me PLB.
    REE helped me so much at BASF, without him I wouldn’t have made it.
    Your family has a big hole to fill but I know your memories and all the things he taught you and showed you over the years will carry you thru the rough times.
    He was an awesome mentor , friend, and  co-worker that enjoyed everything he set out to do and did everything very well, the best. We will always remember REE, great example of the best kind of person with a heart of pure gold!   Go Noles, love Pat Byrd

  14. Roy and I have been around each other all our lives. He is my first cousin and one of my favorite relatives. He truly loves our family(especially my mother).. We participated in activities for our children in Sneads and other family things many times. He shared his love for antique tractors and cars..he always invited me over to his tractor fest on his birthday..I actually came once and he gave me the grand tour.. We enjoyed talking about kinfolk and joking around(even at Walmart)..I really miss him..I know he is at peace and has true joy now..I also know that we will be with him again one day…Even though we haven't seen alot of each other lately..my family and I are here for you..we have you in our thoughts and prayers..Love Always..Howard and Nancy Wimberly(and Aunt Corine too).

  15. Roy and I have been very close all our lives. He is my first cousin and he loved our family(especially my mother). We have been involved with our children in Sneads activities and family things many,many times. He was one of my favorite relatives and we constantly joked and enjoyed each others' company(even at Walmart}..He always invited me to his tractor fests..I actually made it once and he gave me the grand tour…I will truly miss him…I know that he is at peace and has joy now ..and we will all be with him again..Even though we haven't seen too much of each other lately…my family and I are here for you all..we have you in our prayers and thoughts..Love always..Howard and Nancy Wimberly(and Aunt Corine too)..

  16. Condolences to Teresa and the rest of the family. Remembering those travel ball days with Chandra and Teresa, rooming with Roy ,Mr. Jerkin and the conversation we had makes me laugh. RIP.


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