William Henry Edwards, Sr

Rev. William Henry Edwards, Sr., 84, of Pilot Mountain, husband of Amy Artz Edwards, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, November 3, 2006 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mr. Edwards was born in Mount Airy, October 24, 1922 to Benjamin and Addie Roberson Edwards. After graduating from Mt. Airy High School, Mr. Edwards served two and a half years as quartermaster in the amphibious forces of the U. S. Navy. His service ribbons include American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Theater with one star for the Okinawa Campaign, Philippine Liberation, and Victory Medal. He continued his education at the Eastern College in St. David's, PA and Southeastern Seminary at Wake Forest. He served as pastor at churches in Virginia; First Baptist Church of Pilot Mountain for fifteen years and Brown Mountain Baptist Church for six years. Surviving is his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Amy Edwards of the home; daughter, Jan Edwards of Charlotte; sons and daughters-in-law, Bill Edwards, Jr. and wife Jane of Kennett Square, PA; David and Karen Edwards of Shoals; Jonathan and Donna Edwards of Pilot Mountain; and grandchildren, Ben, Sam, Will and Grace. In addition to his parents, Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Edwards. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 6, 2006 at First Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Roger Gilbert and Rev. Chris Aho. Burial will follow in Oakdale cemetery with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard Mt. Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436. The family will receive friends Sunday night from 7:00 to 9:00 at Moody Funeral Home. He was a lifelong student of theology and it was his hope that all people would develop a relationship with God and their church family. "To my churches and people and pastors and friends: I have tried to love you with an everlasting love, not always faithful, but always with love." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society at: 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 2211, Charlotte, NC 28202; to The American Heart Association at: P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or to First Baptist Church Building Fund at 714 N. Main St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030.