Ralph Thomas Edwards passed away on January 19, 2026, at his home in Greensboro, NC, at the age of 84. Ralph was born in Waynesville, NC, on October 25, 1941, to Harry and June Edwards. He graduated from Waynesville Township High School in 1960 and from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1964 as a Morehead Scholar. He worked for Jefferson-Pilot Insurance Company for 25 years and then retired from Sayre and Sayre Retirement Administrative Services in 1994.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Weatherby Edwards; his siblings: Clifford Ray Edwards, Darlene Edwards Warren, and Brenda Edwards Allison.

He is survived by his only child, Heather Edwards Blackmon of Graham, NC, who cared for him for the last years of his life. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Carleton Eddy Weatherby III, and his wife, Dorothy Stilwell Weatherby, of Tryon, NC, as well as his loving nieces and nephews. Ralph and Jean enjoyed their summers at their mountain cabin at Lake Glenville, NC, and spent time with many wonderful friends. He enjoyed his trips to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Cherokee, NC, but most of his time was spent cheering on his beloved Carolina Tarheels and the Atlanta Braves.

Family and friends will be received at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC, on Saturday, May 09, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. where Ralph will be buried alongside Jean at Greenhill Cemetery in Waynesville. 

Arrangements for Mr. Edwards have been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville.