Local Christmas tree lot honors legacy of dead family member
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Cutting down trees, trimming it, and wrapping it together may seem like a chore, but for Ronnie Edens, it’s a passion that all started with his father Ronald Edens.
“My daddy started the Christmas tree lot when I was 3 years old. He would go around the surrounding counties to get a tree he really loved, but he never could. He decided to start selling Christmas trees, so he can take a put of his Christmas in people’s houses”, said Edens.
Located on the corner of US highway 17 and Sidbury Road, Eden’s Produce sell fresh fruits and vegetables. When the holiday season starts to come around, The Edens sell Christmas trees, wreaths, and Garlin. The Edens were excited for Christmas this year, but life took an unexpected turn for the Edens as tragedy struck.
Right before the holiday even came through, Ronald Edens died of a stroke at the age of 64. It was not only a devastating event for the family, but for the community as well. Ethan Edens, the youngest son, remembers what kind of man his father was to people he just met.
“Families that would come, not even the older families, like the younger families. The parents with 25-, 24-, or 23-year-olds with little kids. They would be 20 or 10 dollars short, and he would just give them the whole tree”, said Edens.
Edens says the tradition of helping people out, just like how his father did, is something he plans to keep doing.
“Year in and year out, there are people who would come up here and would love a Christmas tree, but maybe they couldn’t afford it, or didn’t have enough to cover it. My daddy’s heart was size of a massive oak tree. I couldn’t tell you how many trees he would give away to people.
Despite the tragedy that occurred, The Edens plan to keep continuing the Christmas tree lot, but not for the sake of the business, but to honor the legacy of Ronald Edens.
On the 22nd of December, they promise to help out anybody going through dark times.
“If there’s anybody who is need of a Christmas tree, please come it would be an honor to give it to you”, said Edens.
