Dr. Billy J. Edmonds, age 92, of Rockwood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family—Debbie (Perry) Pruitt, Brenda Edmonds, Cindy Alexander, Billy Edmonds, Jr., and Becky (Lee) Jones—on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lydia Edmonds; his beloved wife, Imogene Edmonds; his grandson, Dylan Lee Jones; his granddaughter, Kristi Pruitt; five siblings; and his lifelong best friends, Don Long and Howard Hannah.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Thornton; sisters-in-law, Oma Kelley and Shirley Giles; his four children; five grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Affectionately known as “Preacher Bill,” he was ordained into the ministry at First Baptist Church in Oliver Springs in 1958 and, fittingly, returned there as a support staff and active member in his later years. He considered Oliver Springs home and took great pride in being inducted into the local high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

A proud Army Korean War veteran, Dr. Edmonds devoted more than six decades to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He preached literally thousands of messages—serving as a pastor for 35 years and as a full-time evangelist for 25 years. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit, reaching audiences through television, radio, and prison ministries. He preached regularly at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, where he helped build the chapel and the cross that still stands today.

Through six Tennessee Baptist churches and countless revivals, he faithfully pointed people to heaven through Christ alone. He was deeply humbled by the many lives changed under his ministry.

In addition to his pastoral calling, he served on the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as a trustee of Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, where he was also a student. He was a past officer and active member of the Fellowship of Tennessee Baptist Evangelists, sharing a treasured friendship with Charles “Toonie” Cash.

He was a pastor to many—but only Daddy to four. Daddy loved banana pudding, westerns, girls’ softball, college football, and basketball. He delighted in drawing and giving away his Precious Moments and bird sketches. He was famous for loving to garden, his cobblers, fruit salads, and homemade vegetable soup. He was the undisputed king of Rook, Uno, and Yahtzee—and we often played Pictionary mostly for our own amusement.

Sitting in Daddy’s lap while he sang, “End of the Rainbow, My Pot of Gold,” brought comfort and peace to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He showed love in quiet, gentle ways—providing for us, praying over us, and slipping cool washcloths onto fevered foreheads in the middle of the night, praying we’d be better by morning. And yet, that same Daddy never hesitated to send us to retrieve something from his dark church office—memories that still prompt a whispered prayer by all of us.

His radio sign-off was always, “Keep looking up! Jesus may come today.”
Today was that day for our dad.

Debbie, Brenda, Billy, and Becky’s Daddy went home to be with Jesus, reunited with our Mom and all who went before him.
You will be forever missed and always loved Daddy. Well done, we’ll see you soon.

Dad loved flowers, so in his memory, please send flowers to someone treasured in your life. Dad would have loved that act of kindness.

In light of the significant losses the family has recently endured, services will be private. The family sincerely thanks you for your understanding and continued prayers.