Judge B. Avant Edenfield

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Celebrating the life of
Judge B. Avant EdenfieldAugust 02, 1934 - May 09, 2015
Judge United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia

Berry Avant Edenfield, age 80, a native of Bulloch County, Georgia and the community of Stilson, died on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Candler Hospital of Metastatic Lung Cancer. Born the son of Perry Edenfield and Vera Berry Edenfield, he was a descendent of David Edenfield who was captured by the British in the Battle of Savannah during the Revolutionary War.

Judge Edenfield was a graduate of Stilson High School, the University of Georgia, and the UGA Law School. His love of learning began early, and he always gave credit to the Bulloch County Regional Library’s traveling bookmobile for giving him a love of reading and learning. Indeed, he later became chairman of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Regional Library, and many of the older employees remembered that little boy at Stilson who always checked out books by the dozens. He stated on occasion that he “was in a lifetime struggle with ignorance, and that ignorance seemed to be gaining the advantage.”

Judge Ednefield was particularly proud of the Stilson community and the pursuit of excellence that he learned there. He captained its State Basketball Championship Team in 1952, and was Georgia’s vice-president of the Future Farmers of America.

He enrolled at the University of Georgia, earning many scholastic honors. Beginning as a freshman, he was an unpaid tutor of history for the football team. Without ever having played golf, or knowing anything about golf, he convinced the Athletic Department to hire him as a beginning golf instructor. Asked why, he said, “I needed the money, and I did not reveal my absence of knowledge about the game of golf. The $60 a quarter paid my tuition.”

He graduated from UGA Law School and was on the dean’s list throughout law school, a member of the Gridiron Secret Society, president of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, associate justice of the Honor Court, president of the Demosthenian Literary Society, a member of the Blue Key honor society. He and later-Professor Perry Sentell became study mates and lifelong friends. In 2008 he was awarded the Law School Alumni Distinguished Service Scroll Award.

After graduating from law school in 1958, he was inducted into the United States Army, and for the next six years was an enlisted member of the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard.

He began practicing law in Statesboro with Francis W. Allen, and the firm later became Allen, Edenfield, Brown and Wright. He practiced for twenty years in all aspects of the law as a trial lawyer before he was appointed to the bench. He was named the Outstanding Young Man of Bulloch County in 1965. He was a founder and charter member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club, a guarantor of the land purchased by the Kiwanis Club for the Ogeechee Fair. He was selected by the Statesboro Rotary Club in 1978 as Bulloch County Man of the Year. He served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the State of Georgia.

In 1964, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He served as chairman of the Capital Punishment Study Committee, authoring the majority report that changed dramatically the laws regarding death penalty statutes for the State of Georgia. He also served as secretary of the Higher Education Committee and co-sponsored legislation improving Georgia’s higher education and vocational education. He was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the co-author of legislation creating state-sponsored scholarships for medical, nursing, and dental students who committed themselves to practice in under-served areas. While in the legislator he helped create the Statesboro-Bulloch County Developmental Authority. He returned home and later served with the Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce committee soliciting industries that met with significant success.

He was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia in 1978, and became a proud resident of Savannah, Georgia. Chief Judge for seven years (from 1990-1997), he assumed senior status in 2006. He was invited to serve in many different federal courts and traveled extensively trying cases, including in the Panama Canal Zone before the United States ceded its sovereignty. He served on the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Council, was president of the District Judge Association for the Eleventh Circuit, was appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist to serve on the Judicial Branch Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States, served on the Pattern Jury Charge Committee for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits for approximately twenty-seven years, was a member of the Archives Committee of the Fifth Circuit, the Federal and State Liaison Committee, and numerous other committees for the judiciary and bar.

Judge Edenfield credited his mother and father for creating a strong worth ethic. He had a strong love of quality education and lamented the decline of academic standards of excellence in America education.

His greatest accomplishment, however, was marrying Melvis Bryant Edenfield in 1963.

He was a member of Independent Presbyterian Church, and particularly enjoyed his study of the Bible with the Chatham Bible Studies group. He and Melvis traveled throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Their love of architecture and history continued to motivate their travel. Although they remained childless, he considered his law clerks who have been a source of pride and joy as part of his family. His nieces and nephews and their accomplishments, as well as the accomplishments of many young people who were children of friends and neighbors, were a source of pride. Next to his wife, his brother, Gerald M. Edenfield, was his confidant, advisor, and friend.

Surviving are his wife, Melvis Bryant Edenfield of Savannah; brother, Gerald M. Edenfield (Sharon) of Statesboro; sister, Susie Waters of Thomasville; sisters-in-laws, Mildred B. Lord (Minton) and Merle B. Lord of Dudley, GA; brothers-in-law, Joe Bryant (Donna) and Houston Bryant of Cochran, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Perry H. and Herman L. Edenfield.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Independent Presbyterian Church conducted by Reverend Terry L. Johnson and Reverend Ronald H. Parrish.

Remembrances may be made to Independent Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 9266, Savannah, GA 31412, Old Fellowship Baptist Church, C/O Ms. Dana Haas, 800 M.P. Martin Rd., Brooklet, GA 31405, Trail Branch Primitive Baptist Church, C/O Mr. Marvin Howard, 1997 Rebie Rd. Cochran, GA 32022.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

SO SORRY TO LEARN ABOUT JUDGE AVANT'S DEATH. WE HAD GONE BACK SEVERAL YEARS, TO 1959, AND I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE TIMES. MY PRAYER ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME.

- BOBBY SCHELL, EASTMAN, GA

Melvis, Don and I were so saddened to hear about Avant's passing. Please know we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

- Don and Judy Braun, Savannah, Ga

It was with great sorrow we learned of Judge Edenfield's passing. When it was needed, his able assistance was absolutely critical in a personal matter which he was able to resolve for us. Eventually, a friendship arose, though not close, it remained warm. Because of his efforts, we recently were able to celebrate our Fifty Third Wedding Anniversary. It is sad we've had to lose such fine man of integrity who also showed his humanity. Madge and Mike Mikolaitis

- Mikolaitis, Vidalia, GA

Mrs Edenfield I am writing this with a heavy heart tonight. I just found out about my most favorite customer.he was so special to me and I truly valued his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with u and your family tonight.

- James Cunningham , savannah , ga

Please accept our deepest condolences. He was a fine man and very respected by our family. The stories from my husband (Jimmie Bath) have entertained our family for years. He will be missed. Peggy Bath and Anita Bath

- Mary (Peggy) and Anita Bath, Brooklet, g

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGHT TO CONTINUE ON YOUR LIFE'S JOURNEY LOVE AND PRAYERS

- PHYLLIS MULLINS, POOLER, GA

The entire legal community mourns the loss of a legal giant!

- Leah Sears, Atlanta, GA

Our sympathies to the Edenfield family for the loss of someone so special.

- James R. Payne and family, Bloomingdale, GA

sorry for your loss,he was a true friend Thomas waters family (marie)

- waters, statesboro , ga

On behalf of the entire SCAD community, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Judge Edenfield, whose loss is deeply felt by the state of Georgia, and beyond. Judge Edenfield was esteemed by all he encountered for his shining integrity, selfless service, and wise leadership. His vision and legacy will continue to bless and enrich our nation for many generations to come. With prayers for peace and comfort,

- SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace , Savannah, GA

I am saddened to learn of Judge Edenfiold's passing. We was an outstanding attorney and Judge.I tried many cases before Judge Edenfield and had the highest respect for him not only as a Judge but as a friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

- Philip R. Taylor, Saint Simons Island, Ga

Sorry to hear about Avanrs passing.He was a great friend of my fathers and I have a great admiration for him and his family.As family from Stilson,my dad,Perry always spoke well of the Edenfields.We pray for peace and comfort for this family. W.T Shuman

- William Perry Shuman(son)William T Shuman, Springfield, Ga

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the highest regard and respect for Judge Edenfield. He was a great individual and will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Nancy Sutlive

- Nancy sutlive, fleming, Georgia

My 35+ year partnership with Judge Edenfield was a source of great Pride and professional fulfillment. The heroism and tenacity of Melvis, Gerald, Sharon and their family shines as a beacon of loyalty and devotion. What an honor to be among these people !!!

- Dudley Bowen, Augusta, GA

It was my privilege to have practiced in front of him. A life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

- George Hall, Augusta , GA

We are all sad to hear about Avant. My Dad, Calvin was their cousin. He had many fond memories of Gerald and Avant. I have only met our Georgia cousins a time or two, but I will always remember their hospitality. They always made our visits with them memorable and fun. God Bless Avants Family. Our Prayers are with you, Rhonda Kay Edenfield.

- The Texas Edenfields, Houston, TX

Dear Melvis and Family, I am deeply saddened in reading about Avant. He was such a special man and friend to Pratt and me. You two were as one, and those who loved him were blessed in knowing Avant. My prayers are with you and the family.

- Beverly H Waters, Pooler, Georgia

Dear Melvis and family, Jim and I were so saddened to read of Avant's passing. What a wonderful obituary in the paper. When I read that he said that marrying you was the most important decision he ever made I was so touched. He certainly had a very fruitful and interesting life. Any one that knew you and Avant thought the world of you both. We hope the kind thoughts of your many friends will make your sorrow easier.If there is anything I can do to comfort or help you please call. Mari

- Mari and Jim Buchman, Savannah, GA

It was a privilege and pleasure to have known the Judge. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

- Michael C. and Kitty Garrett, Augusta, GA.

I am so grateful to have practiced in front of Judge Edenfield. His rules were clear, his courtroom fair and his demeanor always professional. I will truly miss his unique and direct approach to dealing with lawyers and the law but most of all I will miss the integrity and humor he used on the bench. Thank you for sharing him with the bar and I am truly sorry for your loss.

- Devon Orland, Atlanta, GA

To the family of Mr. Edenfield. You will always be in our prayers. It is a hard thing to loss a loved one. Mr. Jimmie spoke highly of Avant as did the rest of his family. He will be truly missed

- Joey and Denise Bath son of Jimmie Bath, Brooklet, Ga.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family on this loss to our county and State.As young lawyers we tried cases against each other and many times I have appeared in Judge Edenfield's court.He was always firm,but fair and prepared at all times.He will be missed.

- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia

Dear Melvis and Family, Jewel and I grieve with you in the loss of your loved one. We pray that God will give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. With Love, Jewel and Earl

- Earl & Jewel Dabbs, Statesboro, GA

Dear Melvis and Family, I was so saddened to hear of Avant's death. I grew up in Stilson and remember him and his family going back to 1945 when I was 5 years old. We both were at Stilson school and shared many friends in the community. I am sure that you have many happy memories of life with Avant that will be of comfort. Best regards, John Aubrey

- John Aubrey Brown, Savannah, GA

Share your condolences with the family

- F. Gates Peed, Statesboro, Ga

So sorry about you're lost r.I.p judge endenfield

- Lisa Ann provost, jesup, ga

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this loss. Such a fine man of integrity and justice. Surrounded by a family of the same. Love you all dearly, Windy Ellis Womack

- Windy and Glenn Womack, Statesboro, ga

Mr Gerald, Mrs Sharon, Sharri, Kristie and Gerry, Wade and I are so saddened to hear of the loss of your brother and beloved uncle. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Charlotte and Wade

- Wade and Charlotte Elliott, Statesboro, Ga

Melvis, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad we got to spend time with you and Avant when we were in Savannah at Christmas! Judge Edenfield was so kind and he remembered everything! He remembered about me playing basketball and running track in high school! I know he was in a lot of pain and I am glad that is gone for him. I hope you can lean on my parents for support because we all love you very much. Love Katherine

- Katherine Bullis Carter, Douglasvill, GA