Billy Joe Edward, Jr.

Billy Joe Edwards, Jr, better known by most as “Joe” or “Little Joe,” was born May 22, 1961, in Ardmore, OK, to the late Billy Joe & Lona Kay (Saunders) Edwards. He died on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 62 years, 6 months and 23 days.

Joe grew up in Dougherty, attending Dougherty Elementary School. He received his high school education at Davis, graduating in 1979. Following in the footsteps of his father, Joe took up the art of welding and fabricating. In addition to welding privately for area farmers and ranchers, he spent several years welding for VE Enterprises in Springer.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and simply prowling around in nature. The Washita River was pretty much known to be his second home. Joe was a member of the Dougherty Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Andrew Edwards & girlfriend Skylar, of Dougherty; two granddaughters, Kember Jo and Briar Kay; nephew, Jeff Burleson & wife Amy; two great nieces, Logan and Kelsey Burleson; sister-in-law, Kathy Burleson, all of Dougherty; two aunts, Mildred Allen of Sulphur, and Linda Spears of Lexington; as well as a host of Saunders and Edwards cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Edwards on May 25, 2005; his mother, Lona Kay on April 14, 2018; his brother, Charles Ryan “Chuck” Edwards on November 29, 1980; maternal grandparents, Charles & Ettner Saunders; paternal grandparents, Leonard & Juanita Edwards; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

A private graveside service will be held at the Dougherty Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Willard McCartney, Jr.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.