George Patterson Edwards

George Patterson Edwards, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the age of seventy-three, in his home on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Born on August 21, 1951, in Thomasville, Georgia, he was a son of the late Leroy Bond Edwards, Sr. and Sarah Martha Zeigler Edwards.

Growing up in Thomasville, George was active in scouting, outdoors, athletics, and had a passion for all things electronics and radio related. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1969 surrounded by many classmates who would become lifelong friends. George graduated from Georgia Tech in 1973 with a BS in Industrial Management and went on to earn an MBA in Real Estate from Georgia State University in 1975.

After completing his education, George returned to Thomasville to work for his father at MacIntyre & Edwards in insurance and real estate. A few years later, he and his then wife returned to Atlanta where George began his career in commercial real estate and they started a family. George loved his children ferociously, was an avid cheerleader of their pursuits and constantly sought to impart the virtues of faith, character, servitude, and leadership in them.

In his professional life, commercial real estate was more than just a career. In an industry dependent on relationships and reputation, George was called to leadership. He earned the recognition of his peers along with many awards, for both success and integrity, during his decades in the industry. George was honored in 2005 to serve as President of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.

A man of deep faith, George was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta for many years, where some of his deepest relationships were formed. There he served as an elder on the Session as well as many other committees; volunteering his time and talents to the church’s AV team and assisting in real estate acquisitions that continue to serve FPC’s growth and well-being.

In 2011 George married Peggy Dawson Edwards at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, where he became a member and continued his faith journey. Always a servant leader, George became involved in the Georgia Radio Reading Service where he would record readings of the news for radio broadcast to the blind. While living in Sandy Springs, George also volunteered his time with the Sandy Springs Police Citizens on Patrol. He took great pride in assisting the police and fire departments.

George and Peggy moved to St. Simons Island, GA in 2020 where he quickly embraced island life and the rich history that is unique to the Golden Isles. George joined Christ Church Frederica and served as an usher, greeter, van driver, and member of the Christ Church Newcomers Committee. He was a member of Sea Palms Golf Club and enjoyed playing golf with the Men’s Golf Association. George became active in the Island Newcomers Club and served on the Board of Directors for three years as membership chairperson. He was an active volunteer at Fort Frederica National Monument and could often be seen in colonial clothing demonstrating aspects of colonial life. George also volunteered at the International Seafarers’ Center in Brunswick greeting cargo ships from all over the world, helping international mariners receive much needed services.

George will be remembered for his generous heart, kind smile, and the meaningful relationships he cultivated throughout his life.

George leaves behind his surviving wife, Peggy Dawson Edwards. Other survivors include his children, their families, brothers, their families, and many cousins: Susan Edwards Groves (Ian, Ellie, and Connor), Charles P. Edwards (Lauren, Charlie, and Davis), Leroy B. Edwards, Jr. (Nan) and William S. Edwards (Laurie, Rives, and McCall).

A service celebrating George’s life will be held at Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island, Georgia on April 25, 2025, at 3:00pm with a reception following in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in George’s name to the International Seafarers’ Center, 307 Newcastle St, Brunswick, GA 31520 or to The Friends of Fort Frederica, P.O. Box 30419, Sea Island, GA 316561.