Eddie (played by the late actor Robert Douglas "Doug" Grant, Jr.) was a school bully and an extortionist by ripping off Michael's school lunches. He lives in Michael's apartment building, and is one of 6 children of a mother who spends most of her time away from her children. (The storyline doesn't say whether his parents are divorced or if Eddie's father is deceased.)
Michael eventually decided to invite him to spend the weekend with his family, and tells James and Florida that he doesn't do well in school. At first, Eddie is shocked that Michael has "a full-time father" and that they say grace before eating meals. James is especially shocked by Eddie's lack of manners and morals, and he's even reluctant to do homework with Michael. James decides to use his belt to spank Eddie in the master bedroom, and when they come out, Eddie says he didn't know you could hurt someone and care about them at the same time. Florida explained to Eddie that she and her husband discipline their children because they love them, and it's called caring. Eddie gives in and decides to do homework with Michael, but he needed a pillow to sit on because of his sore behind!