R. Lee “Chip” Edmonson, II was born December 31, 1942, on a cattle farm, where he and his dog, Buster, and mule, Kate, ruled the acreage. Chip passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at the age of 82 in Hattiesburg, MS.
Chip graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelors of Science, and he also received his Masters in Financial Services from the American College. Before retiring, Chip was enrolled to practice before the IRS (EA) and was a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Chip started his own business and built a strong investment management practice that he was later thrilled that his youngest son, Chad, decided to join.
Though Chip managed investments by trade, he was a bookseller by heart. In his 20s, he spent his summers travelling country backroads and learning about people and making lifelong friends. A practice that continued throughout his life.
Chip loved reading biographies (especially Teddy Roosevelt), hunting, and was a lifelong scholar. A value he has instilled in his entire family. However, for Chip, friendship and family were primary. If you were his friend, you were family and loved your entire life. He eagerly anticipated grandchildren and reminded his sons to provide them. He was ecstatic when he was provided a bounty of four within the span of three years. They became his devotion.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Veronica, his parents, R Lee and Louis Edmonson.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Edmonson, his sons R Lee Edmonson III (Tabitha) of Chicago and Chad F. Edmonson (Catherine) of Hattiesburg. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Lulu and R Lee “Charlie” Edmonson, IV of Chicago and Jack and Mary Catherine Edmonson of Hattiesburg.
Visitation will be held at Hulett-Winstead Funeral home from 4-6pm on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery at 10am on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Chip was very education focused and was very proud that both his sons (and daughter-in-law) were early graduates from the Mississippi School for Math and Science. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science Foundation, 1100 College Street, MUW-190, Columbus, MS 39701.
