Gary Ray Edwards, surrounded by his family and in the warm comfort of his home, passed from this earthly life into the presence of the Lord on Sunday evening, November 17, 2024. He was a native of Mitchell County and resided in the Fork Mountain Community. Gary, 72, was born on February 22, 1952, a son of the late Myrtle Edwards.
A well-known face around the Fork Mountain and Bakersville communities, Gary attended McKinney Cove Baptist Church. He professed his faith in Christ as a young boy at the old Rockdale Baptist Church and was later baptized in Little Rock Creek in April of 1968. Gary loved listening to Gospel music, especially the New Day Program on WKYK in Burnsville.
A graduate of Bowman High School, Gary was formerly employed by Garland Brothers’ Tree Service, Henredon, and Wilson’s Trout Farm in Glen Ayre. Dubbed unofficially as the “Mayor of Fork Mountain,” he was a past member and first responder with the Fork Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
Gary was a people person. When not “holding court” with his friends at the Bakersville Quick Mart, he would make the rounds across town checking in at the Dollar General, Gateway Market, Mammie’s, or Lee’s restaurants. “Hello, pal!” with an extended hand and big smile was Gary’s favorite (and most used!) greeting to his friends.
A devoted family man, Gary was a loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was married to his wife, Libby Sparks Edwards, who survives him, for 32 years. Perhaps his greatest joy in life was that of being a father and a grandfather. He was a wise and caring “Paw” who deeply loved his grandboys.
In addition to his mother, Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenny Edwards; three sisters, Kathy Bowers, Sallie Edwards, and Diane Edwards; three brothers, Wade Edwards, Jimmie Edwards, and William Edwards.
Surviving are his devoted wife, Libby, who stood by him faithfully and never left his side; grandsons, Jayden Stevens and Hunter Briggs; two brothers, David Edwards (Vickie) and Junior Edwards; two sisters, Debbie Ricker and Sue Burleson (Dallas); mother-in-law, Naomi Phillips; several nieces, nephews, and special friends, including Regina Jarrett and Garland Honeycutt.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the family, friends, neighbors, ministers, and churches that have reached out with their overwhelming love and prayerful support for Gary over the past few years. A very special thank you to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge for their excellent care of Gary and the family during the past few days.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at McKinney Cove Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Ayers, Rev. G.B. Garland, Rev. Garland Honeycutt and Rev. Mike Peterson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the Fork Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of his family.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Yancey Funeral Services at 378 Charlie Brown Road, Burnsville, NC 28714 to help with expenses. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
