I was born and reared in Troup County Ga. My mother was Arizona Edmondson and my father was Gussie Edmondson. I have a sister Tommie McKeever. We lived in the rule area of Troup County therefore we had a small farm with all type of farm animals that had to be attended to.
I am married and have four children that were also reared in LaGrange.
I worked at West Ga hospital for a number of years before owning my own business and later pastored a church and have been there for forty years.
About Willie Edmondson
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My mother and father both worked two jobs each. My mother worked in the cotton mill, and lunchroom at the school, my father worked for Troup County School System and also worked in the mill.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked on a number of jobs over the years and was never fired off any. Most of my jobs have been serving others and I guess I can say that I love helping people which led me into public service.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live each day as if it’s your last, treat people the way you want to be treated, but most of all get to know Jesus.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully retired, but still helping others until the last breath leaves this body.
Willie Edmondson & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love to eat different food, so I try to get around to all of them.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked here all of my life.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would have to name two people. I met Mr. Fuller E. Callaway when I was a nurse, and he told me his story about his father and it was so fascinating. The second person was Mrs. Ethel W. Kight, she was a small lady with a tall spirit and lots of love for educating children. She loved children!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love the interworking of the City of LaGrange and also the hospital.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how our community comes together when it is needed, and how it pulls together in times of crisis.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to sit and talk to Dr. Robert Copeland at his home and enjoy listening to him talk about his experiences, or Ms. M. Julian talking about her days as a teacher at Troup High, we would have lunch somewhere on West Point Lake.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Harlem Night is one of my favorite movies and Andy Griffith is one of my TV shows.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to read and sit next to the water or on a boat and fish, listing to soft classical music.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate my children and grandchildren because even though they are not perfect, I am proud of how they represent me and the hard work I tried to instill in them.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The people that were in my life as a child growing up. I can still hear some of them saying, “be the best you can be” – “make something out of yourself” – “don’t get in trouble” – “make me proud” – I will never forget those comments or those wonderful people.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Peace, Love, and I must add another – Safety.
