William Russell Edmunds

William Russell Edmunds, age 57, of Canal Winchester, OH passed away November 9, 2018. He was born February 3, 1961 in Columbus, OH.

Bill married his high school sweetheart and went into the world and received his automotive associate degree from Columbus State and his MBA in business management from Ohio University. Bill suffered a life altering injury that left him paralyzed. Bill spent his entire life and career helping others seek independence from their disabilities and making public areas more accessible (especially wheelchair bound individuals). He traveled the country to all of the NHRA races working the events ensuring handicap accessibility for all and over the years insured changes at various racetracks to include better accessibility to all. Bill also loved playing in wheelchair sports, being one of the first team members of the Columbus Pioneers, central Ohio's first wheelchair softball team, and Wheelchair Olympics. He declined participation in the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney Australia for the desire to stay home and support and be present for his own children's team sports and school activities. He received many national and international awards for his wheelchair air rifle competitions. His competitive self didn't stop there, he loved to show his cars at many cruise-ins, car shows and won many, many awards. Bill was passionate about car racing and loved all his car racing driver friends and was passionate about collecting racers autographs and memorabilia.
Bill was "Our Superhero" as he courageously battled serious health issues from his injury that he suffered and survived of for 33 years. Bill never complained, he only wanted to live, and he did that well! Bill was undeniably the most positive and determined person with a very unique zest for life. He dearly loved his entire family and had the sweetest spot in his heart for his wife, daughter, son, grandsons and his loyal dog. He couldn't have been more proud of his children! He truly lived for his family and gave so many others inspiration of how to "never give up" and to "live your best life"!

Preceded in death by his mother, Roberta “Bobbie” Edmunds. Survivors include his father, William M. Edmunds; loving wife of 36 years, Cheryl Edmunds; two children, Heather (Marc) Gambrill and Billy (Sydney Hansen) Edmunds; two grandchildren Lincoln and Cooper Gambrill; sister, Linda (Skip) Weiler; best friends, Tom Stout and John Wall; furry companion, Buddy; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends may visit 5-8:00pm on Friday, November 16, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147. A funeral service will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, November 17, at the funeral home. Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estate.