George Edmonds

George Alan Edmonds, Sr., age 66, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord God on January 19, 2013. He passed peacefully with his family by his side, from pancreatic cancer.

George, affectionately known as “Sonny” by his family, was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 20, 1946, the much loved son of George D. Edmonds and Mari Edmonds.

Raised between Detroit and Cincinnati, George was an intelligent, quiet and athletic youth who enjoyed racing cars and sports of all kinds especially football, basketball and baseball. In fact, before graduating from Central High School in 1964 George had lettered in several sports and met his future first wife, then cheerleader, Charlene Dunn. George and Char were married for 23 years and from their union came his first four children George Jr., Darnell, Danielle and Damon.

George would later marry his beloved second wife Cheryl Ann Edmonds on June 6, 1991. Together they cherished 22 years of marriage and countless moments filled with love, laughter and friendship until his passing. To their union Cheryl brought her son Kelly, whom George and his children embraced as son and brother.

Following his graduation from high school, George was scouted by the Cincinnati Reds to play major league baseball. Although that dream was not to pass, he was honored to be considered and proudly went on to coach many athletic teams for his sons. George spent his professional career in Cincinnati, where he became the first African-American electrician to work for the Gilkey Electric Company. In 1968, while enrolled in a Management Training Program, he was recruited for the Cincinnati Police Division.

During a dynamic career spanning 26.5 years of service, George received numerous awards and accommodations for his achievements on the force. He served in Recruiting and Personnel (the first African-American to do so), Tactical Patrol, Youth Aid, Internal Investigations, Central Vice Control, the Police Academy and as Commander of the Criminalistics section (Major Crimes/Homicide). He retired honorably, a Police Lieutenant in charge of the District 2 Investigative Unit, on January 28, 1995.

George was an active man who enjoyed helping others and being out and about in the world. Many are the family and friends who recall happy times talking, praising God, travelling, bowling, fishing, watching sports or working on home improvement projects with him.

Over the years, he was known by many names: Sonny, Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Mr. Edmonds, Officer, Detective, Sarge, Lieutenant, Boss, Cuz and more… but no matter the “handle” he was always genuine, helpful, loyal, trustworthy, dependable, caring and on time. His passion, sense of humor, beautiful eyes and million dollar smile captured our hearts.

Both George and Cheryl joined the Greater Emanuel Apostolic Church on June 21, 1992, where they were baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They remain(ed) active members participating in various auxiliaries and count their fellow church members as extended family whom they love dearly.

Let us this day give all glory and praise to God for a life well-lived! May George’s memory be recalled with joy and laughter as we celebrate his life and rejoice in the great legacy we are blessed to carry on.

George is survived by his wife Cheryl; 6 siblings Mamie, preceding in death Norma Jean, Haneefah “Bo”, Benny (Gloria), Woodson “Woody” (Kim), Ronnie (Cathy), Walter; 5 children George Jr., Darnell (Sue), Danielle, Damon, Kelly; 13 grandchildren George III “Tre”, Quincy, Nicole, Brittany, Troy, Chanel, Cevante, Jai, Jalen, Darnell II, Maxwell, Alexis, Kianna; 6 great grandchildren; special friends Donald “Don” Craig (Judy), Richard “Rick” Rhodes (Gwen), Lawrence “Larry” Henderson (Carol), Will Richardson, Tommy D. Smith, Derrick Robb (Caroline); and a numerous host of dearly loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.