Monti William Edwards

Monti William Edwards was born on June 20, 1972 in Lexington, KY. to George William Edwards and Carol Denise Bailey and was the oldest of three siblings. He was affectionately known to some family members as “Big Baby” or “Big T” and when he encountered friends, would frequently greet them with “What’s up Big Dawg?” prompting them to say it back to him in return. 

Monti grew up on Speigle Hill (the planet), on the South side of Lexington, KY and loved spending time with family and friends during gatherings and holidays. He was a loving, kind, gentle God-fearing man who never met a stranger. Everyone who knew him was touched in some way by his kindness. 

He graciously took on the role of a surrogate big brother/ father figure to his siblings, nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, and godchildren, and loved them unconditionally.  A “Papa bear” at heart, he was most definitely a fierce supporter and protector over all of those he loved. He was never afraid to say he loved you and those opposed were put on notice that he didn’t play about “his people”, as he would say.

Monti attended Lafayette High School and was a graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Lex., KY., and was active on the football and wrestling teams. In 1992, he enrolled at Kentucky State University where he studied History/ Secondary Education and played football as well. Monti met his “Love,” Angelle Greene at Kentucky State in Frankfort, KY. Upon returning home, he worked at Eastern State Hospital and shortly thereafter, became an entrepreneur starting Edwards Dry Cleaners in Lexington, which is still a part of the family’s businesses. 

Monti gained Christian experience and was baptized a member of Imani Baptist Church, in Lexington, KY., under Rev. Willis Polk with Angelle by his side to witness his acceptance of Christ as his Lord and Savior. They were united in marriage on March 8, 2003, and to this union two children were born, Arielle Mon’et and William Monye’ Edwards both of Cincinnati, OH. Upon moving to Cincinnati, he joined Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lincoln Heights, OH. and was ordained as a deacon on March 3, 2013. He served faithfully over the years at Tabernacle, currently known as City of Promise, Fairfield, OH., Bishop Gary G. Hayles, Lead Pastor and continued his christianexperience there. Monti loved his Bishop dearly and church family.

Monti was a man of faith, devoted father, husband, uncle, brother, and friend. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed rooting for his teams.  As an avid UK basketball fan, “He bled Blue!” Also, he was a fan of Notre Dame, Alabama “RollTide,” and after moving to Cincinnati, even became a Bengals fan! Ultimately, his favorites of all time to watch were his children, as they participated in athletics, musicianship, and church ministries.

Monti worked at Emerson Power Transmissions, now known as Regal Beloit Power Transmission Solutions for almost 20 years. He was a “Classics movies” buff and loved to groove to all genres of music whether working, driving in his car during his long commute, or relaxing in his favorite place, on his back deck. He was also surprisingly light on his feet! 

This soldier fought a long hard fight, most times with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Once diagnosed with Stage 4, esophageal cancer, he was #Ready2Fight from the beginning until the end. So when you think of him and you have a battle to overcome, remember to #FightlikeMonti.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Laura Salyers; grandfathers, Pastor George W. Edwards Sr. and Oscar Murphy; grandmothers, Fawnetta Dudley, Ella Ruth Salyers and Linda Edwards; uncles, Leroy Murphy, Kimbo Davis and Gregory Edwards; aunts Johnetta McNair and Thelma J. Coles; father-in-law, William D. Greene Sr., grandmother Rachel Whittaker, aunt Callie Banks-Floyd and brother-in-law Gregory Whittaker.

He leaves to celebrate and cherish his memory, his loving wife Angelle Greene-Edwards, children Arielle & William Edwards, father George W. Edwards, mother Carol D. Edwards, grandfather Jimmy Bailey, brothers Demetrius “Sean”(Tia) Edwards, Damon “Pumpkin” (Shawneil) Edwards, TavarisEdwards, bonus brother, Quincy (Erika) Murphy, uncles Larry “Lamont” Murphy, Garnell Edwards, G. Gerrad “G.G” (Joy) Edwards, Keith “Ketty”(Eleanor) Barbour, Goffery Edwards, Emeil Edwards, and Julius Edwards, aunts Anna Laura “Dubie” (Zedekiah) Arthur, Theresa “Sissy” Murphy, Joyce Brown, Carolyn Banks, Giselle (Cassius) Edwards-Williams, Audrey Lamb and Rita (Leonard) Maxberry, special cousin, Theolita“Woman” Murphy, mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Greene, brothers-in-law Vernon Keith (Karen) Greene and William “Doug” (Mychelle) Greene, and sister-in-law, Sherry Lynn (Larry) Hicks. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other bonus brothers, sisters, and friends “but like family,” who will share in Monti’s loss.

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