Nelson Coleman Edwards, 72, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024. He was born in Martinsville, Virginia on November 30, 1951 to the late Norman Taylor Edwards and Eldean Hazlewood Edwards. In addition to his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by his loving uncle, James Ronald “Ronnie” Hazlewood.
He is survived by his brother, Norman Taylor Edwards Jr. (Jeanette Handy); former wife, Donna Wade Edwards and their two sons, Nelson Coleman “Cole” Edwards Jr. and Daniel Wade Edwards; grandchild, Easton Coleman Edwards; also many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nelson was raised in Martinsville and graduated from Martinsville High school in 1970. After taking his band, Sky, on the road for several years, he returned to attend Radford University where he majored in Music Education. He was a band director at a number of Virginia public schools for 35 years including Dan River, Brosville, Fieldale-Collinsville, Bassett, Campbell Court, and Laurel Park.
While Nelson devoted his life to teaching, he always had a love for playing. He played over the years as a drummer and keyboard player in a number of bands including The Rogues, FATZ, Jasmine, Mulberry Band, Take Five, Double Barrel, Stone Canyon, Paradox, and many others. All that mattered to Nelson was that he was making music.
One of Nelson’s greatest honors was playing in Florida with Percy Sledge’s band, Sunset Drive. Percy looked at him after the show with the rest of the band in the room, pointed at him, and said, “you’re good.”
Nelson was an avid sports fan. He loved baseball, football, and he attended races at Martinsville Speedway every year. In 1984, Nelson went to Daytona to watch Richard Petty win his 200th race.
Most of all, he loved his family. He loved showing up to every event and going on family trips. Annual trips to Myrtle Beach and boogie boarding were the highlight of the year.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Nelson’s name has been made to donate to music programs he loved in his community. Nelson would want nothing other than to give the gift of music. Contributions to Nelson’s fund may be made online at https://gofundme/967ff75a. Checks can be mailed to your local band booster program. Please include "In memory of Nelson Edwards" in the memo.
A celebration of Nelson’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home and will be officiated by Reverend Mike Carrow. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held afterwards at the Big A Church of Christ in Stuart, VA.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences on line, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
