Boykins - Paul Aaron Edwards, Jr., 71, passed away May 28, 2018. Born and raised in Boykins, he was the son of the late Paul A. Edwards, Sr. and Cleora "Cleo" Griffin Edwards. Paul was a 1967 graduate of Southampton High School and served as a cook in the US Navy from 1967-1971 aboard the USS Marius. He was the floral designer and owner of Boykins Florist & Gifts for over 30 years, a member of Boykins United Methodist Church, and was active in the Franklin Little Theater. He also volunteered with the Food Bank of Southeast Virginia, ran the food pantry at the church, and decorated the Chrismon tree at the church with all handmade ornaments since the 1970's.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters Jonna Edwards of Boykins and Gretchen Edwards-Bodmer (Bill) of Portsmouth; two grandsons Jackson and Myles Edwards-Bodmer; one sister Linda Beatty of Boykins; and former wife Barbara B. Edwards of Portsmouth.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Boykins United Methodist Church with Pastor Kyle Bass and Rev. Michael Baugham officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Beechwood Cemetery.  A reception will be held after the burial in the church Fellowship Hall. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home in Boykins and suggests that memorial donations be made to Franklin Cooperative Ministries, Boykins Fire and Rescue or Boykins United Methodist Church. www.wrightfuneralhome.org