John "Jack" Carter Edwards

Jack Edwards was the former Captain of the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad. Under his leadership as Captain, Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad achieved 19 consecutive months of responding to every emergency call.

Jack was also an EMT Instructor in Martinsville/Henry County and Patrick County area.

Jack Edwards pursued the emergency responder field upon his retirement from Miller Brewing in Eden, North Carolina where he had worked for many years.

Jack was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served with the Navy’s Submarine Services, specifically on nuclear submarines during the Vietnam era. Jack was deployed months at a time in international waters. He went through an extensive program and earned the distinguished Submarine Qualification insignia (known as “dolphins” or “fish”).

Jack Edwards is survived by his wife of 36 years, Thelma Edwards, sons Sean Edwards, Jim Edwards, John Edwards, Chad Edwards and Jeff Edwards. Also, survived by his granddaughters, Darian Edwards (daughter of John Edwards) and Mariah Edwards, (daughter of Chad Edwards). Daughter in laws Pam Edwards, (wife of Chad Edwards) and Stephanie Edwards, (wife of Jeff Edwards). Other surviving family include half-sisters Sandra Horne (husband, Shane Horne) and Joan Long (husband, John Long).

County Board of Supervisor for the Horsepasture District, Debra Buchanan spoke highly of Jack stating “Jack was an outstanding leader with the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad. His ‘directness’ & ‘can do’ attitude helped inspire other volunteers to be the best that they could be. Under Jack's leadership as Captain, he encouraged teamwork, dedication and determination of the volunteers, which resulted in Horsepasture Rescue Squad being recognized for 19 months without missing a single call - a record that has yet to be challenged.”

Also, Director of Public Safety, Matt Tatum said Jack’s influence on the community “went beyond EMS, Jack loved his community and was seen by many as a leader, mentor and father figure. Jack was the man you could work with, play with, laugh with, and cry with.”

Debbie Akers with the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services stated when ask about her experiences with Jack that “It’s not often that you find someone in their older years willing to dedicate so much of himself to the EMS system and he always had his faithful and loving partner, Thelma, at his side.”

A Memorial Service will take place at Collins Funeral Home in Bassett Virginia. Family, friends and anyone who knew Jack may share in the visitation and memorial service that will take place on Sunday February 12th. Visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm. Memorial Service will start at 3pm.

If anyone that wishes to buy floral arrangements please arrange with Collins Funeral Home directly. Donations can also be made to the Horse Pasture Rescue Squad in the name of Jack Edwards. The family would be very grateful.