Mr. Jerry Eugene Edwards, age 75 of China Grove, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. Jerry was born August 12, 1944 in Greenville, SC, was the son of the late Frank Staley Edwards and Mary Ellen Shue Edwards, and was also preceded in death by his brother, James F. Edwards.
Those left to cherish his wonderful memory are his loving wife of 52 ½ years, Cheryl, along with his sons, Jeffrey Eugene Edwards (Carrie) of Fuquay Varina , NC, and Jason Earl Edwards (Sarah) of Salisbury, MD. He also leaves behind his sister, Doris Hampton Massey of Middletown, Ohio and his beloved grandchildren, who always could put a smile on his face, Jacey Edwards, Chase Edwards, Colton Edwards, Madison Edwards and Channing Edwards.
Jerry grew up in the Carolinas. He joined the US Army in 1963 and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY and then Germany. His military service included 101st Airborne, Jumpmaster paratrooper and military sky diving of which he won competition awards. He later joined the Army Reserve at Ft Bragg, NC. After the military, he moved to Ohio, where he married his wife of 52 1/2 years. Together, they moved to Raleigh, NC where he began his career at Southern Bell, which became BellSouth and then AT&T, from which he retired in 2002 as Project Service Manager. Never one to sit still, he then opened his own landscaping business known as “Jerry’s Yard Service.”
Known lovingly by his neighbors as the “Mayor of Timberfield”, Jerry was active in his community. He was a member of multiple Masonic lodge chapters including Garner Lodge #701, Masonic Lodge #283 and was also a 32 degree Mason, as well as a Past Master. He also was a member of Eureka Order of Eastern Star #277, the Oasis Shrine and was Past President of Rowan Co. Shrine Club.
Jerry loved life and had a giving heart. Children had a special place in his heart and he loved creating better lives for as many as he could help. Over the last 20+ years, he devoted his time and energy in supporting the Shriners Hospital for Children as well as organizing annual charity rides in support of the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. Through his efforts, he helped raise over $500,000 for this home and the children. This money is used to provide children with room and board, as well as giving them a loving and safe environment to develop and reach each of their full potential.
Having never met a stranger, Jerry loved people, life and helping others. His passions included family, boating and fishing, sky diving, flying airplanes, his award winning woodworking as well as motorcycles and spending time on his RV.
His legacy is one of giving and loving. In doing so, has touched many people’s lives. The support and prayers have been overwhelming in a way that has warmed our hearts. We want to thank each of you for caring for the family and your loving memories of Jerry. We are truly blessed!
“Duty, Honor and Country”, “Power of Positive Thinking”, “Get Your Mind Right and Your Body Will Follow” and “Be Kind” were just a few of his favorite sayings. He lived his life guided by a simple but powerful belief, “The most important things in life are God, Family, Good Friends and Good Health.”
As a proud veteran he would often say, “If I was 18 I would do it all over again.” Rest in Peace Sgt. Edwards, your watch is complete!
At this point, they are going to pause on holding a gathering. They want to host when all can celebrate his life. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove will update information. Please visit www.linn-honeycutt.com.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, if possible, to make donations in the honor of Jerry Edwards to MHCO. The link to the charity is below, and on the landing page, you will find a big red “Donate now” button. In the fund drop down, please chose “memorial” and then in comments put in Memory of Jerry Edwards, and his work with the Children’s Home.
A Memorial Service with Full Military Honors will be on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Edwards Home.
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