John Thomas Edwards

John Thomas Edwards, 90, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, July 10, 2019 following a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Mr. Edwards was a native of Remlap, AL graduating from Oneonta High School in 1947.  After graduation, he met his late wife, Charlotte Louise Martin Edwards, of Bridgeport, AL.  They were married in Columbus, MS, on December 24, 1950 and would have celebrated their 68th anniversary in 2018.    Sgt. Tom Edwards served as a tank leader with the U.S. Army in Korea, was awarded the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Star, and attained the rank of Captain.  After his discharge, Tom was employed with AEC (PowerSouth) and retired as the Maintenance Superintendent after 35 years of service. 

First and foremost, Tom was a Christian servant of God.  A member of Peniel Baptist Church, he served as deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, as well as chairman on numerous committees within the church.  Tom was always involved in church construction and renovation projects.  He built the house where he and his family resided for 43 years as well as some of the furniture within that house.  Tom was a diligent and tireless worker as well as an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to include his grandchildren on hunting or fishing trips when they were able.

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, reading, and was readily available to assist his friends and neighbors.  Tom loved his family and was always helping them.  His family loved him dearly, as well.  His quiet strength and special brand of humor will be deeply missed by those who knew him best. We are all richer for having loved him. 

Survivors include daughters Valerie Edwards Oliver of Jackson, AL, Patricia Edwards Payne of Wilmington, NC, and Brenda (David) Edwards Dumas of Canton, MS, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his wife, Louise Edwards, his parents, Thomas Stephen Edwards and Myrtle Grigsby Edwards, his brother, Joseph Stephen Edwards, his sisters, Sylvia Edwards, Sibylla Hayes, Sophronia Dyar, Vangel Richardson, Joyce Stewart, and Lenora White, and his son-in-law, Noah Price Oliver, Jr.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m. at Peniel Baptist Church in McVay, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m.  Dr. Edwin Hayes, Tom’s nephew, will officiate.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery.  Services will be directed by St. Stephens Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include David Dumas, Benjamin Dumas, Jason Patton, Tyler Kimmel, Joshua Martin, and Mike Hayes.  Honorary pallbearers include David Hayes and Steve McLendon.

The family encourages donations be made in Tom Edwards’ memory to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (www.apdaparkinson.org).

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