Don Harry Edwards Jr.

Don was born in Milford, Delaware on January 31, 1946 to the late Don & Phyllis (Mitchell) Edwards.

Growing up in Hartsville South Carolina, Don attended Hartsville High School and was a member of the marching band. He graduated from Wingate College and moved on to further his education through Progress Energy at prestigious colleges and universities throughout the country.

In his professional career, Don spent many years as a radio chemist in the nuclear power industry. He was dedicated to protecting the environment. He retired from Progress Energy in 2002 after 36 years of service. Don is known all over the country as a pioneer in nuclear power.

He was an active member of Olive Chapel Baptist Church in Apex, NC, where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher, as well as many other roles. He loved going on mission trips with the Baptist Men.

Don loved both salt and freshwater fishing and spent many quality hours camping and fishing with his sons. For seven years he was a beloved Little League Baseball coach with Apex Parks and Recreation.

After living in Apex for 27 years Don and his “bride” Dell moved to Rougemont, NC.

Don had a gift for making those around him smile and feel loved through his jokes and sayings. One of his favorites was, " Keep smilin'; make everybody wonder what you're up to.” He loved his three dogs and religiously took them for car rides every day, even after his health began to decline. He was known in his community as “the dog man.”

Don is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Dell (Pleasant) Edwards; his sons, Tripp and wife Jennifer, Andy and wife Sarah; brother Reese Edwards, sister Pat Dority and husband Jim, and eleven nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11am - 1pm on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. Apex, NC 27502. A funeral service will take place immediately following in the Apex Funeral Home Chapel. All are welcome to follow in procession to Olive Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, 600 New Hill Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502 to lay Don to rest immediately following his funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don's honor to:

BSUMC Backpack Ministry.

Please mail checks to:

Boiling Springs United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 774

Boiling Springs, NC 28017