Birth Date: 06/11/1927
Deceased Date: 07/13/2021
PINE LEVEL – Walter Ralph Edwards, age 94, went to his heavenly home July 13, 2021 after a period of declining health. Born June 11, 1927, his parents were, William “Bud” Edwards and Thelma Tyner Edwards. He was preceded in death by a brother, James “Pete” Edwards, and nephews, David Edwards and Keith Edwards.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 Noon in the Pine Level First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Grayson Fallaw and the Rev. Percy Coleman officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. just prior to the service. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Selma Memorial Gardens.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Frances Thompson Edwards, sons, Danny Edwards (LaVerne) of Princeton, Glenn Edwards (Vicki) of Selma, grandsons, Wesley Edwards (Dana) of Pine Level, Michael Edwards (Meredith) of Selma, granddaughter, Emily Gainey (Will) of Selma, great grandson, Justin Edwards of Pine Level. Sister, Shirley Ponder of Southern Pines, many nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Joyce Pittman of Pine Level. The family is thankful to Jennifer Fitzgerald for her weekly daytime care of Walt and Frances.
Walt was a longtime devoted member of Pine Level First United Methodist Church where he served faithfully in many roles. Walt enjoyed working. You might say he was a “workaholic.” He became well known for his building skills. He worked with Roger’s Construction Company for many years. He and his brother, Pete, worked together for a while building homes, doing additions and other repair work. Later, Walt and Danny were hired fulltime by Mrs. Edith Daniels to provide maintenance for The Royal Inn and The Village Motor Lodge. When Walt retired, you didn’t know it, because you never saw him slow down. You could always find him working on repair jobs at his church. He was in high demand by others for home repairs. His carpentry skills were like no other and at one time he was asked to teach carpentry at JCC. He declined, but was very pleased by the offer!
He and his wife loved working in their yard and it showed. Even up in age, Walt never gave up trying to keep his yard in tip top shape even if he had to crawl around to do so. He had determination and was driven that hard work paid off. He was a man of honor and integrity. A hand shake or your word always sealed the deal. He taught his sons carpentry and they helped him in jobs, but most of all he taught them to be honest, respectful, to do their best, and to never give up trying. He loved his family, his church family, the Town of Pine Level, his wonderful neighbors, and the many, many friends made along the way. He always had a kind word. A man of few words but great insight. He and his wife enjoyed charter bus trips, camping trips to Kerr Lake and Don Lee, vacations with family, good friends, and neighbors. Walt enjoyed grilling chickens and having family gatherings. His life was blessed by his Lord and Savior. We are sad, but Walt is pain free and we bet happily talking with Jesus and Joseph about carpentry skills.
Well done, Walt!! Amen!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pine Level First United Methodist Church. PO Box 161, Pine Level, NC 27568.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.parrishfh.com.
