Category: 1969

Edgar L. “Garee” Thomas ’69, distinguished vitreoretinal surgeon and partner of Retinas Vitreous Associates, passed away April 14 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was born Mar. 5, 1948. He is survived by his wife, Beth Quillen Thomas, 1202 San Vicente Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90402-2104; daughters, Amanda, Bethany, and Emily; brother, Gregg Thomas (Cathy); sister, Mary Volland (Lorrie); nephews, Bryan Thomas and Marc and Erik Volland; and niece, Jess Erin Thomas.

Kendrick Lee Telford ’69 of Brenham, Texas, died suddenly March 6, 2007, in Houston. Memorial services were held for him at the Brenham Presbyterian Church. He was a self-employed banking consultant. He was a former member of the Davidson Board of Visitors. Survivors include his parents, Eloise and William Telford ’39 of Brenham; a brother and sister-in-law, William Jr. ’71 and Marcia Telford of Durham, N.C.; and two nephews.

W. Clayton Edwards ’69, associate vice chancellor for the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, died January 7, 2007. He raised money for the university for almost nine years, but his legacy will affect generations to come. Clay joined UA in November 1998 and was “pivotal” in the university’s Campaign for the 21st Century. Money from the campaign benefited UA in a variety of ways, including scholarships, endowed professorships and new building projects. With more than twenty years of experience, he was a mentor to students and young staff members. He previously served as director of regional and university programs at Penn State University. From 1988 to 1996, he was director of development and alumni relations for Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, raising $ 11.6 million. He worked for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra from 1983 to 1988, creating the symphony’s first development office and doubling fundraising efforts there. Survivors include his wife of twenty-four years, Sandy Keiser Edwards, 964 E. Arlington Ter., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701-2229, who also has the title of UA vice chancellor of university development.