ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — The loss of a beloved military veteran and his wife has left many in Hardin County in grief after a fatal collision Sunday evening.
Billy Edwards, 67, is being described as a "gentle giant" who wasn’t afraid to enforce the law and cheer on the next generation. Before his death Edwards took a job as a school resource officer at Creekside Elementary School back in January.
Brooke Custis, the principal of the school, said Edwards had a huge impact on students even in his short time on campus.
"We just always felt safer when he was there," Custis said. "So he’ll be missed tremendously. He just went out of his way to let students know that he cared about them, and he took the time to get to know them. And just give them encouragement throughout the day."
It was around 8 p.m. Sunday night when Kentucky State Police responded to a collision on an exit ramp onto Western Kentucky Parkway. It was after colliding with another vehicle that the couple was ejected from their motorcycle.
Authorities found Edwards and his 58-year-old wife, Kathy, dead at the scene.
Custis said the way they lost the Edwards was tragic knowing that the couple were constant cheerleaders for their students.
"It wasn’t uncommon to see them at sporting events or out in the community," Custis said. "They seemed to love each other very much."
David Lee, the chief deputy of the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, got emotional while talking about his longtime friend's passing. He mentioned how both of their granddaughters played volleyball together on opposite teams and he consistently saw the Edwards at matches.
"To a lot of us it’s a loss personally so he’s going to be missed," Lee said. "A loss for us professionally. As well as the county. As well as EPD is hurting."
Edwards worked for the Elizabethtown Police Department for 24 years before retiring and taking the role with the sheriff’s office.
"But to hear him talk about those kids and stuff like that," Lee said. "It was like a grandpa to all those kids."
"Whether people knew him, or if they’re just connected to the school, or they just appreciate law enforcement or education or all of the different ways that family is connected to Hardin County, everyone’s heart goes out to the family," Custis said.
Edwards was an official with a long career and will now rest peacefully with his wife. The sheriff’s office said the Edwards will not be left alone as they plan to have an deputy by their side until their burial.
Custis said they will offer grief counseling for any student that needs it, and plan to celebrate his time with the school once the next semester begins.
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