Walter Fred Edmundson Jr.

He was known as Freddie to his immediate family and friends, Possum to his Heatcraft buddies and Pop to our pool playing family across Mississippi. No matter what you knew him by, he always seemed to leave an impression. If he picked on you or teased you about anything that meant he liked you especially if you put it back on him. If he didn't then you were one of the unlucky ones.

His work ethic was second to none! He welded for 38 years for McQuay/Heatcraft in Grenada and during many of those years he opened up Mama's restaurant at 4am and cooked until time for him to leave for work. When he got home there was no stopping him either. He hauled hay, water or ran potato routes in his early days. Later on, if it was summer, he always had a big garden, coached baseball, kept the field up and went to games. The man was a well-oiled machine that ran on Copenhagen, Schlitz beer, Anacin and mama's home cooking! A year after retiring he put in for a part time custodian position at VHS and a part time job at Walmart. One called him one week and the other called him the next, so he decided he could do both. Surprisingly, they both turned into two full time jobs that he held onto for 20 years until he had to hang them up. He hardly ever missed so he got paid for 4 months of PTO time after retiring a second time!

The one thing that he loved more than working was family. He was married for 66 years and he cherished her to the end of his days. He always made sure his kids and grandkids never needed for anything and was always willing to go the extra mile to spend time with them and help them in any way.

From Nascar races to baseball, football and softball games he was always present if he could be. He was an avid Mississippi State fan but his true passion was pool and watching it played at high levels and traveling with his son to tournaments all over the south for some 40 years. He acquired a following where everybody always looked for him to talk and joke around with on the sidelines. Those are friendships he treasured to the end along with his church family.

He had a long life and a life well lived. If there is anything we can learn from him it is just to BE THERE.

Whether it's a job or family or being a friend or just helping out, the first step is to be present without hesitation. Many have known him but no one will ever forget him!

Freddie is survived by his daughter, Linda (David) Holloway of Vardaman, MS; son, Walt (Paula) Edmundson of Vardaman, MS; and sister, Catherine Lee of Woodlands, TX. He took pride in his role as a grandfather to Wesley Edmundson, Emily Edmundson, Justen Holloway, Shelby Lang, and Bree Lang; as well as his 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Freddie will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Vardaman on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The funeral service will follow on April 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Johnny Cherry officiating. Freddie will be laid to rest at Hillcrest cemetery in Vardaman, MS. Serving as pallbearers are Lawrence Buse, Wesley Edmundson, Justen Holloway, Danny Keeton, Mike Kelly, Greg Sanders, Roy Timms, and Jerry Wildman Sr. Honorary pallbearers are Hunter Black, Billy Joe Cannon, Bo Duncan, Joey Fleming, Larry Gann, Mike Malone, Buster Merchant, and Ken Turner.

Freddie was preceded in death by his wife, Tott Melton Edmundson; daughter Wanda Gail Edmundson; father, Walter Fred Edmundson Sr.; mother, Minnie Fleming Edmundson; brother, Wesley Edmundson; and sisters, Louise Carson, Lavern Wooten, and Polly Keeton.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, Center Well Home Health and their nurses and staff for their services, Also a special Thanks to our private sitters Christine Clemmons, Angie Vance, Bevarly Wofford, Pat Clay, Angie Ewing, and Linda Daniels. You all made his last days the best they could be.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Freddie Edmundson Scholorship foundation at Vardaman High School. All donations can be made at any Cadence Bank location.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Edmundson family as they walk through this season of loss. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of their loved one.