Rev. Gary Edwards

Rev. F. Gary Edwards, 70, of Martinsville went home to be with the Lord, after a five year courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Fieldale on August 3, 1943 to the late Reuben Frederick Edwards and Thelma Daniel Edwards of Bassett. Gary was a graduate of Patrick Henry Community College; he received his B.A. Degree at Averett University and finished his studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary of North Carolina where he graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity. During his ministry he was pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Rocky Mount for seven years, and then became pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. While in Seminary he became pastor of Ransdell Chapel Baptist Church in Louisburg, North Carolina. He finished his education while at Kearfott Memorial Baptist Church of Martinsville where he was pastor for more than fifteen years. Six months after retiring from Kearfott Memorial Baptist, Gary became Pastor of First Baptist Church of Ridgeway and was instrumental in the building of the current church building. Gary served in the North Carolina National Guard, was active in the local and State Baptist Association, an avid guitar enthusiast, and enjoyed westerns. He was very active in the Historical Society and was a collector of Martinsville Historical Memorabilia.In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by one brother, David Edwards Sr.In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his wife, Lois Luther Edwards of the home, one son, Brian T. Edwards of Alexandria, one daughter and son-in-law, Kerri Edwards Carter and husband, Doug of Martinsville; five sisters, Trevis Lusk, and Linda Ratliff both of Martinsville, Naomi Massey of Florida, Faye Luther of Fieldale and Fern Joyce of Collinsville and two grandchildren, Carter and Mackenzie.Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 12, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Ridgeway with Rev. Doug Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery The family will receive friends 6- 8 P.M. Sunday, August 11, 2013 in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Ridgeway and other times at the home.The family request that donations be made to the Capital Improvement Fund c/o First Baptist Church of Ridgeway, P.O. Box 715, Ridgeway, Virginia 24148