Lonzy Edwards, preacher and former Bibb commissioner, dead at 67

Lonzy Edwards, an often outspoken preacher and Macon attorney whose roots in politics go back decades, died at his home Friday morning. He was 67.

In recent weeks, Edwards, a former Bibb County commissioner, had mounted a campaign to unseat Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert in next month’s elections, but his push to become the second mayor of the consolidated city and county government ended April 19 when undisclosed health problems forced him to suspend his campaign.

Edwards’ friends and former colleagues described him Friday as a man of principle who was willing to fight for the common man.

“He was a man of true character, and he only wanted to do what he believed was right, what was best — not for himself but for others,” said Brenda Youmas, his partner at the Edwards & Youmas law firm.

Edwards, who also was the pastor at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, did not publicly disclose any information about his illness. He and his family kept his health issues private, Youmas said.

In one of his last public appearances, Edwards participated in a mayoral forum April 12. Several days later a doctor told him he was too sick to undergo a “necessary” medical procedure, according to a statement he released at the time.

Reichert, who does not face any other challengers on the May 24 ballot, said he was shocked by Edwards’ death.

“Lonzy Edwards was a champion for the underdog, and a dedicated, passionate and civic-minded public servant in his roles as an elected official, pastor and attorney,” Reichert said. “He was my friend and my colleague, and he will be truly missed by our entire community.”

Former Bibb County Commission Chairman Sam Hart said he knew Edwards years before the two served together on the old Bibb County Commission. Hart remembers Edwards, who was a commissioner from 2007-2013, as someone who stood up for residents.

“He certainly loved his role as a county commissioner, mainly because he had an opportunity to be a servant of people,” Hart said Friday morning. “He reminded us all the time that the reason we were there was to protect the interest of citizens of the community. He liked that role and was a great spokesman for that effort.”

Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Elaine Lucas, a longtime friend of Edwards, said he was a special person and that his death marks a major loss for the community.

“He was a great leader. He was a statesman, not just a leader but one worthy of respect,” she said. “He fought a good fight, not just for himself but for the people of Macon-Bibb.”

Edwards’ time in government and politics spanned decades, including his involvement with both the Republican and Democratic parties at different times. In the early 1980s, he worked as an executive assistant for external affairs to Macon Mayor George Israel.

In that position, he worked as a liaison between the mayor’s office and organizations such as the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, the Bibb County Commission, Macon City Council, Georgia Municipal Association and the NAACP.

Edwards was a “go to” person when a company needed a job permit expedited, said Israel, who remained close with Edwards until his death.

“I just can’t say enough about his character and the type of person he was,” said Israel, who “immensely” enjoyed their time working together.

“Lonzy could be headstrong, but that’s OK, too,” Israel said. “He had his opinions. He was a very reliable person. If I needed him to do something, he would get it done.”

Edwards campaigned for all of Macon

A Sparta native, Edwards had interests beyond law, politics and religion. He also was an author, teacher and business owner.

Edwards was highly educated, earning degrees from Knoxville College, Yale Divinity School, Duke University School of Law and Emory University.

In 1982, Edwards used his experience as an attorney and minister to author “How to Manage Church Fights: A Religio-Legal Perspective on Church Conflict.” Seven years later, Edwards opened L.F. Edwards & Son, an office supply store at the corner of Fifth and Poplar streets in downtown Macon. Early in his career, he also taught classes at what is now Fort Valley State University.

Youmas said Edwards fought against injustice and pushed for Macon to be a “place for all of us.”

“As a servant leader, he was uniquely equipped to serve this present age from the pulpit, the writing desk and his work in the community,” Youmas said. “He was a champion for the under-served, young people, seniors, re-entered felons, environmental justice and equality.”

When Edwards announced his intention to run for mayor, he said he wanted to alleviate some of the hopelessness and blight in Macon-Bibb.

“I believe that through the right kind of political leadership, we can begin to change the climate in our community,” he told The Telegraph on Feb. 11.

Edwards campaigned as someone who would stand up for all parts of Macon-Bibb, especially communities he said have been neglected for too long.

“We have all this poverty and income inequality, and I’m absolutely convinced if we get our economy moving in the right direction and recruit the right jobs, we’ll solve a lot of these problems,” he said.

Youmas said she will miss Edwards’ passion for life.

“I will miss his motivation and encouragement, him telling me ‘you can do it’ and ‘don’t settle for anything,’” she said.

Jones Brothers Memorial Chapel on Millerfield Road has charge of arrangements.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 10:01 AM with the headline "Lonzy Edwards, preacher and former Bibb commissioner, dead at 67."