ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) announced that Billy Edwards recently passed away in Fairview, Texas. Edwards served as ACCA’s chief elected board officer in 1989 and was employed for many years at TD Industries, a Texas-based construction and facilities services company, serving on the company’s board of directors from 1971-2000.

“Billy’s reputation as a gentleman and true leader in the industry will certainly live on,” said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. “Billy was known by many of his colleagues at TD Industries as 'BE' and is fondly remembered for his warm 'howdy' by many who knew him. I offer sincere condolences to his beloved wife Galia and to the rest of his family and friends.”

“I vividly remember Billy’s calm demeanor and steadfast leadership in the industry,” said Lee Rosenberg, chairman of Rosenberg Indoor Comfort. “Billy is dearly remembered by many. May his family find comfort knowing how he was admired and respected among his industry peers.”

“I was offered an opportunity to work with Billy in 1971, and little did I know the impact he would have on my life and my career,” said Larry Taylor, former president of Air Rite Air Conditioning. “He was not only a gentleman and a friend, he was a leader and showed many how life should be lived. I will miss Billy deeply, never forgetting the impact he had on all those who knew him.”

Billy was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Galia, three sons Jerry (Sherry), Daniel (Audrey Marie, Tim (Laura)); his sister Hattie Francis Campbell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.