Edwin Emmanuel Waithe, Sr.

Today, we gather together with hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude as we celebrate the beautiful life of James Emmanuel Waithe Sr. — a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. To know him was to experience strength, wisdom, humor, warmth, and unconditional love.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we thank God for the privilege of having him in our lives and for the legacy of love he leaves behind.

Edwin Emmanuel Waithe Sr. was born on August 19, 1939, in New York, to the late James Emmanuel Waithe and the late Mary Nelson Waithe. From the very beginning, he carried a spirit of perseverance, resilience, and devotion that would guide him throughout his life.

He attended Samuel Gompers High School and spent many years working faithfully as a truck driver in the trucking and transportation industry. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and built a life rooted in responsibility, sacrifice, and love. Later in life, many knew and loved him as a Walmart greeter — a role that reflected his naturally warm spirit. He had a way of making people smile, feel welcomed, and feel seen, often through a simple conversation, a joke, or his calming presence.

Above every accomplishment in life, the title he cherished most was being a family man. Edwin loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly. His children, grandchildren, his nieces and nephews brought immense joy and pride into his life, and his love for them could be felt in every room he entered.

One of the many memories his family will forever cherish was the joy he found in spending time with his beloved sister. They loved bowling together, sharing laughter, friendly competition, and moments of togetherness that became treasured memories for the entire family. Those bowling outings were more than just games — they were moments filled with love, connection, and happiness that reflected the closeness they shared.

His daughter Sharon also lovingly shared a memory that pertectly captured the gentle and seltless heart of her father. She remembered a time when everyone in the family was sick, and she decided she wanted to cook dinner for everyone. She made spaghetti with gumdrops in it, and the colors from the candy ran all through the spaghetti - red, green, black, and blue. Even though the meal looked nothing like spaghetti should, Dad lovingly ate it anyway because he did not want to hurt her feelings. That moment speaks volumes about the kindhearted and loving man he was.

Edwin Emmanuel Waithe Sr. peacefully departed this life on May 29, 2026, in Abbeville, South Carolina, at the age of 86. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit, lessons, and love will forever remain within the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Emmanuel Waithe and Mary Nelson Waithe; his wife, Patricia Waithe; his sons, Edwin Waithe and Anthony Waithe; Annette Waithe and his brother, James E. Waithe Jr(Junie). Dr. Carolyn Yard (Sister).

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Sharon Waithe of Staten Island, New York; his Son James Waithe (Jimmy) of Ohio, Sister and brother in-law, Howard and Dr. Ethelind Waithe McGee Covington Georgia, Brother Dhemere Emannuel Waithe Oxford Ga. Beverly Segers, BKLYN NY, Sandra Richardson of SC. His grandchildren, Shannon Waithe, Ashley Johnson, Natasha Thomas, Pierre Thomas, Reece Waithe, Jackie Waithe, Alex Waithe, and Rashawn Whither, James T Waithe, and a host of neices and nephews and cousins. Through each generation, his love, guidance, humor, and strength will continue to live on.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Rest peacefully, Edwin Emmanuel Waithe Sr selflessly, and will forever be missed.

Your life mattered.Your love mattered. And your legacy will live on forever.

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