William "Bill" Marion Edmonds Jr.

Bill Edmonds lived life on his own terms, and the life he created in his 62 years looks much like the vivid mosaics that eventually drew him to Granada, Spain. His life of deep, lifelong friendships, of engaging with different cultures, of unconditional love, of travel, and endless learning piece together a soulful tableau---one emphasized by his sincere generosity.

William “Bill” Marion Edmonds, Jr. was born June 1, 1959, to Barbara and William “Butsy” Edmonds in Anahuac, Texas.  Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Texas in Austin in 1980. A born adventurer, Bill backpacked across Europe a few years later.  This journey sparked his love of European culture. He eventually moved to Berlin and became fluent in German. While there, Bill served as a senior editor for a travel magazine and then began additional freelance work in translation, specializing in converting German documents to English. Additionally, he taught English to university students preparing for the Cambridge English Assessment. In 2003, much to the pleasure of friends and family, Bill returned to Austin and earned a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas. Impassioned by his studies, Bill set off for Europe again, this time landing in Granada, Spain--- known for the Alhambra, which serves as a rare showcase of Islamic Art and Architecture in Western Europe. Bill lived in Granada for almost 20 years and continued to study and discover more about the area’s rich history. A keen linguist, he also became fluent in Spanish and continued his rewarding translation business while also traveling to five of the world’s continents.

With a heart of kindness and a playful laugh that delighted friends across the globe, Bill touched so many lives---and always for the better. As a friend, he willingly showed generosity, unconditional love, thoughtfulness, and a quick wit that would brighten the day. Bill loved gathering friends and entertaining, often indulging them with delectable feasts of his own making. As some friends shared, Bill was their Angel. His friendships surpassed casual ones and became intimate, close bonds. He could engage in deep conversations on a myriad of subjects or sit and visit about mundane topics that made for easy conversation. Living overseas, Bill welcomed many visitors and enjoyed sharing his favorite sites. Bill was known for his dry sense of humor, but while playing tour guide, he managed to sprinkle his rich knowledge and understanding to enlighten those in his charge. Bill was a beloved brother who sometimes stole his sister’s hidden candy, a son who cared for his mother until her dying breath, and an uncle who loved his nieces, nephews, and great-niece. To many cousins and friends, Bill was that faithful friend who remembered birthdays, genuinely cared about your well-being, and kept you smiling with his wit.

On June 3, 2021, Bill passed at his new home in Malaga, Spain from a fatal heart attack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Butsy Edmonds. Family members left to cherish his memory include his three siblings: Steve Edmonds of Iowa, Louisiana; Patti McCormick and husband Tom of San Diego; and Diane Tunze and husband Rex of Anahuac; as well as nieces and nephews, Keely Edmonds, Chase Edmonds, Maggie McCormick, James McCormick, Savannah Hollis; and great-niece, Vivian Rollo.

Friends are invited to visit with Bill’s family, from 10:30 am until 12pm, on the afternoon of Saturday, July 10, 2021, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 1201 S. Main Street in Anahuac. The family will gather privately in Anahuac Cemetery for a committal service.

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