James Edwards

On February 22nd James Mark Edwards passed from this life to spend eternity with Jesus and his deceased wife Mary. James was born April 29, 1917, to Carl and Mae Edwards of the Bethel North Carolina Community. He graduated from Bethel High School where he met his wife, Mary Penland. They were married for sixty two years. James was a member of Canton Central United Methodist Church. He was active in the Canton, NC, Lions' Club. His working career was with Champion International for over 40 years. He was on the team that installed machine number nineteen in the late 1950's and retired as foreman. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and playing golf. He had two holes-in-one at Maggie Valley Country Club golf course and hit his age more than one time. James and Mary were followers of Jesus and it was evident in their compassion shown to others. James is survived by his three children, Bob and Gayle Edwards of Winston-Salem, Mitzie and Joe Robinson of Candler, and Phillip and Carolynn Edwards of High Point. Also surviving is a brother, David Edwards and wife, Edith of Bethel. His sister, Ruth Praytor of Asheville predeceased him. Surviving grandchildren are Dr. Todd Edwards and wife, Angie of Cartersville, GA, Brent Rhinehart of Asheville, Marisa Ray and husband, Kevin of Winston-Salem, John Chapman and wife, Nancie of Atlanta, GA, and Jerry Chapman and wife, Jennifer of Mount Airy. Seven great-grandchildren survive; Brittany and Haley Ray of Winston-Salem, Brittney Brown of Cartersville, William and Rebecca Chapman of Atlanta, and Georgia and Matthew Chapman of Mount Airy. The family wishes to express thanks and appreciation to Cynthia and Gina McDaniel for their loving care during his last years at home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2010, in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Tilley, Senior Pastor of Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church in Asheville, and Reverend Davis Whiteside of Sylva officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Brent Rhinehart, Todd Edwards, Ed Praytor, Sonny Moore, Melvin Robinson and Tom Kenner. Memorial gifts for the James M. and Mary P. Edwards Memorial Scholarship may be sent to The Winston-Salem Foundation, 860 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 or made online at www.wsfoundation.org.

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