William Matthew Edwards (“Matty”) Obituary
Baton Rouge, LA

Matthew Edwards didn’t just enter a room—he made an entrance. Matty filled every space he inhabited with the kind of exuberant Southern charm that felt borrowed from another era. Looking sharp as a tack in his Brooks Brothers suit, he’d straighten his bowtie, extend an arm, and call out, “DARLING!” as he pulled you in for a hug. Whether he already knew you or not was of no consequence—Matty never met a stranger.

Born on March 30, 1975, in Birmingham, Alabama, Matty grew up in Marietta, Georgia, and spent his life connecting others in love, friendship, and fun. He served in the United States Navy from 1995 to 2000, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and completed deployments to the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf.

After his military service, Matty graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Political Science in 2003. He remained in Atlanta following graduation, where he worked for several government-related organizations he was deeply passionate about and built a wide circle of lifelong friends.

Matty’s journey to Baton Rouge began when he helped his dear friend Jay Fitzgerald move to the city and what started as an act of friendship became a new chapter. Matty decided to stay and soon made Baton Rouge his home. With his gregarious personality as his calling card, he quickly became a fixture in the community, adding to his already impressive professional experiences and, of course, gathering many more dear friends along the way.

Matty had a gift for making strangers feel like old friends and friends feel like family. Whether it was a surprisingly delightful conversation in line, a long night filled with cocktails and laughter, or a simple check-in call, he showed up fully, every time.

Those who knew him will remember his love of the arts, the finer things in life, his signature red scarf, a commitment to feelings over facts (always), and the importance of good company above all else. Our darling friend was quick to laughter and easily moved to tears. He moved through the world with an openness that made people feel seen, welcomed, and included, no small thing in a world that sometimes forgets that’s the whole point.

Though his path was not always easy, he built a community of friendships that ran deep and true. Many of our best friends and our best memories exist because of him. We, his friends, are honored to carry his story forward. To know him was to be invited in.

He is survived by his mother, Patty McNally; his brother, Jared Kremza; and his aunts, Joni Prince, Cindy Cook, and Stephanie Spainhour.

A private gathering for friends and family to celebrate his life will be held in Atlanta on Sunday, May 3, from 2pm - 5pm, at Monday Night Brewing, Trabert Ave. Those wishing for additional information may reach out through mutual friends. Please cry, laugh, and share your stories with us as we gather to raise a glass to our darling Matty.

In his spirit, talk unabashedly to someone new. Stay a little longer. Laugh a little louder.

In place of flowers, donations in Matty’s honor can be made to your favorite “Matty-esque” charity

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