Meet your 2023 Grand Marshal of the 70th Annual Christmas Parade

These days, you can most likely find Billy K. working in his year, throwin' a line in the lake, or teein' up on the golf course. But if anyone has worked to "deserve" their place on the boat, it's this guy: Bill Kenneth Edwards, lovingly known as Billy K.

Billy K. was born in 1935 in Hickman County, Tennessee, but his family moved and called Lewis County home just a year later. After graduating from LCHS in 1953, he went straight into the United States Navy where he served three years. "I can't say I made it to the very first Christmas Parade, but I was proud to be in the service."

After his time in the Navy, Billy studied at Austin Peay where he received his degree. From there, he went on to teach Chemistry at Clarksville City Schools, then U.T. Martin. For the 16 years following his teaching career, Billy worked as the Laboratory Director and Chemist at American Biltrite. Before retiring in 1998, Mr. Edwards gave 35 years to Dana Corp. as the Technical Director. It was during this time that he got into politics, but not without thought. "I enjoyed Dana Corp. and didn't want anything to hinder my career there. I learned they were very much an advocate for the community and being involved in volunteer work, wanting their employees to succeed in all aspects of our lives. So, they encouraged and supported my decision to enter into Politics, which I did."

His love for the work of politics began long before any of the above-mentioned. "As a youngster," Billy recalled, "I worked at B & O Pharmacy. A person could learn all they wanted to in that place. The Who, What, When, Where and How of a community was discovered and discussed at the milk shake counter of that place. It incorporated two things I loved very much; service and learning, and fired up a love for politics as well." After Mr. Edwards returned from the service, he went back to work there while finishing his education. "I went back, because I liked the involvement. I liked being in the know and hearing issues and discussing solutions to them. That's where my love for and desire to become involved in politics truly began."

Throughout his 87 years on this earth, Billy K. Edwards has held several offices and served on numerous boards. He was a member of the Rubber Manufacturers Association for 20 years, president of Lewis Co. Civic Club, Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, Hohenwald Golf Club, Hohenwald Housing Authority, First United Methodist Church, member of the Hohenwald Planning Commission, Zoning Appeals Board, and Lewis Co. Jury Commission. He served 66 consecutive years as a member of the American Legion Post 127 (4 times Commander), member of the VFW Post 1814, Lewis Co. Volkssport Club, Lewis Co. Historical Society, served 20 years on the City Council (12 of those as Vice Mayor), and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Lewis County Senior Citizens, Inc.

Although proud of his civic accomplishments, it is the volunteer work behind it, along with personal accomplishments that bring him the most joy. "I am honored and most proud to be the husband of Martha Anderson for the last 65 years. We have built a wonderful life together, raised two children who have given us seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. I enjoy making memories traveling and was proud to travel to both Bangkok and Berlin as a United States delegate to ISO, but these days, my traveling extends to the Senior Center. Volunteering there has helped me see the importance of it in this community. Some of the folks have absolutely no one else, and the Center serves as a social safe place for them. Because of that, I encourage the community to fully support the Center whenever possible."

As a thriving 87 year old with a life full of selfless giving and successes, I wanted to know the secret. "What advice do you have for someone interested in following your path of politics and civics?" I asked. His response was simple and a treasure all at once. "Be truthful," Billy advised. "Be truthful, and be able to stand the heat. You aren't a king on a throne. You are a servant to the people. Keep that in mind at all times, and you'll do just fine."

You will be able to wave at Mr. Edwards as he attends the 70th Annual Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 7th at 7 p.m. He will be hard to miss as he leads the parade as the Grand Marshal, riding in an authentic vintage vehicle.