Doyle B. Edwards

Doyle Bryce Edwards Jr., 82, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2026. Born February 20, 1944, in Arcadia, Doyle was the second of five children of Doyle Sr. and Leila Edwards. The family moved several times before settling in his grandmother’s home on S. Volusia Avenue. He graduated from DeSoto High School with the class of 1962. A gifted athlete, Doyle excelled in baseball as a child and discovered basketball in high school. His height and talent earned him a spot on the varsity team and a full basketball scholarship to LeTourneau College in Texas. A knee injury ended his playing career after two seasons.

Doyle moved to Richmond, California, to be near his high school sweetheart, Irene Arndt. He worked for Beverage Distributors Incorporated before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1968. After an honorable medical discharge due to another knee injury, he returned to Richmond and married Irene on June 8, 1968. Their loving marriage lasted nearly 58 years.

In 1975, the couple returned to Arcadia where Doyle joined the Arcadia Fire Department serving for 25 years as a firefighter, paramedic, and eventually Captain. He was known for his calm demeanor and compassionate care while helping others in emergencies.

Doyle and Irene retired in 2001 and spent the next 20 years traveling the country in their RV, visiting every state and creating cherished memories. In 2015, Doyle was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He faced his illness with quiet courage and his faith in God. He became a Christian through his grandmother’s influence and later served faithfully at the Arcadia Seventh-day Adventist Church as a deacon, elder, and groundskeeper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Robert and Stephen. He is survived by his devoted wife, Irene; sister Judy Edwards Osborne of Lincoln, CA; brother Alan Edwards and wife Karen of Ocala, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Doyle will be remembered as a kind, unselfish man who never met a stranger. His dedication to family, community, and service touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed.