Thomas Leon Edwards, 70, formerly of Eden and more recently of 4402 Marble Way in Asheville, NC, passed away Wednesday night, February 20, 2013 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, February 24, at First Wesleyan Church in Eden. Burial will follow in Ridgeview Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Edwards was born November 14, 1942 in Leaksville, NC, son of the late Garris Leon Edwards and Leo Frances Bateman. He was a member of First Wesleyan Church and a retiree of Mohawk Corporation.
He is survived by his wife, Dixie Rutledge Edwards, of the home; daughter, Tracey Edwards Garber and husband, Scott of Candler, NC; grandson, Jackson Wren Garber; and three nieces, Page Barrow of Rock Hill, SC, Amy Lewis of Eden and Jamie Holliman of West Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Ewards Barrow.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening, 7 - 9 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the home of Norma Rutledge, 1431 Town Creek Road in Eden.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Wesleyan Church, Building Fund, 607 Church Street, Eden, NC 27288
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
With Deepest Sympathy The death of Tom is a tremendous loss to all who have ever known him. He has always been one of my favorite first cousins and always has and will forever be in my heart.
Carol McKay
Dixie, Tracy and family, my heart goes out for you. I was just speechless when I heard about Tom. He looked so good the last time you came home. Tom was such a kind, sweet, and gental man. He was a life time friend of mine. He loved his family and would let you know it! May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you comfort. Remember the precious memories you made together. I love you all! Muriel
Muriel B. Caldwell
The passing of your loved one Tom is one of the most devastating experiences your family can face, and at times, the loss may seem unbearable. Moreover, finding ways to express my deepest sympathies to your family is most difficult. However, your faith in the Bible based resurrection hope for Tom, Jesus spoke about at John 11:25. Furthermore, these words of Jesus are comforting to your family knowing that have a hope in a resurrection. Therefore, the help that God supplies does make a difference, because God can help you to cope with the death of someone you love. The Bible makes this comforting promise: ‚Äö?Ñ??Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves (Psalms 34:18). True, divine help does not eliminate the pain, but it can make it easier to bear. That does not mean that you will no longer cry or will forget your loved one. So, draw close to God during this time of sorrow and sadness.
Charles Bell
Dixie I am so sorry for your loss Tom was so kind and sweet you and Tracey will be in our thoughts and prayers. I Love You Dixie
Johnny and Kay
Dixie,Tracey,Jackson & Scott. Steve and I want say that you are in our are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom was a "super" nice guy and he will missed greatly. If there is anything that we can do for you, please let us know. Love you.
Joan & Steve
I am so sorry for the loss of uncle Thomas. May the lord wrap his arms around you & Tracey. Iamb going to try to come get home. I love you.
jamie holliman
Dixie.....was so sad to hear of Tom's passing. Know that YOU and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God embrace you with comfort and peace during this difficult time of loss.
Sherry Aheron
Dixie, You may remember me as a classmate of you and Thomas. Though we have not seen one another in many years, the news of Thomas's passing saddens me deeply. I cannot imagine your loss and the depth of your hurt and pain. May God be with you and your children in your hour of need. I pray that He will comfort you and supply you with all your needs. You and your family will be in my prayers. God bless you. Butch Carpenter
Butch Carpenter
I worked with Thomas many years ago, but have fond memories of him. He was always pleasant and had a smile on his face; such a joy to work with. So sorry for your loss.
Betty Tate
Our love and heart felt sympathy is with each of you.
Merle & Ellis Fox
It was always a joy to see Mr. Tom when he came into the branch, he was always so sweet! I will miss him greatly. I am so sorry for the anguish you all are feeling for the loss of him. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless You.
Terry Thomas
Tracey & Ms. Dixie. It makes me so sad to think about Mr. Edward's passing. Since I'm an only child too it makes me think about the love I have for my own father and how I know your heart is broken. Kendra and I have truly been praying for you both. You mean so much to us and we are thinking of you often. Sincerely, Paul.
PAUL CATHEY
Dixie and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Thomas. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marion Cochran Mize
DEAR TRACEY & FAMILY, OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TOUGH TIME. LOVE, THE TEMPLES
RICHARD TEMPLE
While I did not know Thomas that well; it is always so sad to lose another classmate from the class of '61. Our class is decreasing ever too fast. My sincere condolences to the family
Jim Hawkins
Dixie , Know that you,Tracey, and family are in our prayers.I am thankful that at times like this we always have a precious Lord to lean on and to comfort us like no other!
Laverne Murray
I am truly sorry to hear so Tommy's passing. He was a good friend in high school, and kind to all. He will be missed.
Frank Silver
Dixie, Thomas was one of my favorite classmates. Always smiling and friendly.Missed seeing him at the mall walking. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Brenda Purdy Hearne
Brenda Purdy Hearne
Ms. Dixie & Tracey, please know that I am praying for you & your family during this difficult time. Hannah
Hannah Sheehan
Dixie, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Thomas was a very sweet, loving man and I am sure will be missed greatly. Having a wonderful Savior like our Lord Jesus Christ is the most comforting thought I can leave with you. Judy Dalton Carter
Judy Dalton Carter
We are so sorry about Mr. Tom. He will be missed. You are in our prayers, Tracey and Miss Dixie. We love you! Cindy and Kevin
Cindy and Kevin Sharp
Dixie, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Tommy.We are out of town at this time, but just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that you will miss him greatly but just remember all of the precious memories that you have. We love you, Tommy and Gail Baucom
Tommy & Gail Baucom
Dixie you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss, Thomasa was a great guy.
Bobbie Shough
I am truly sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. I have been away from everyone for so long and it was saddening when I heard . I remember in high school he was always smiling, friendly, and kind to everybody. He was well liked. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Clarence Rogers
Clarence Rogers
My heart is saddened by your loss, for your family has been a part of my life for many years. I remember the years, particularly when I coached First Weslyan girls and Tom was always one of my stand advocates and generated many laughs. My prayers are that God will wrap his loving armsaround you and comfort you during this time of loss and that his Holy Spirit will fill the empty void you hold. Sending you my love!
Tommy Griffin
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We are praying that God comforts and gives you peace in this time of such great sorrow. Harold & Sherry Ball
SHERRY BALL
I am sorry for the loss of Tom. He let me assist him in teaching a Sunday School class. I learned a lot from him gentle caring way and how he handled teaching young people about the Word of God. One of the kindest souls I ever met. I pray God holds each of you tightly and reassures you with the family around you that we mourn but not as those who have no hope. Love and prayers.
Bernie Coone
Dixie just heard about Tom today and am so very sorry for you, Tracy and the rest of the family. Tom and I worked together for a long time and he was one of the nicest, kindest people I ever met. He came to see me numerous times when I worked at the Chamber and it was always a joy to see him. I will be praying for you and the family that the Lord will be with you during this time. God bless you all.
Lou Trollinger
Tracy, We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace. We love you!
Shane & Kim
Dixie and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was such a nice guy. Prayers.
Sarah Talley Pierce
Dixie, Just heard about Tom. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to and the family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Much love and prayers
Mandy & Kevin Artzner
Dixie, I am so sorry for the loss of Tom is was very nice person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Faye Hill Holt
Aunt Dixie and Tracey, I have very fond memories of riding my bicycle to your house for piano lessons and many weekends of playing Rook, cookouts, and beach trips. I will always remember Tom as the one who taught me to be calm and never show my full hand at Rook before I had to. He also taught me to be humble and gracious. I will always remember his smile! I love you "Uncle" Tom, until we meet again some sweet day!!
suzanne riddell
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Born: Saturday Nov 14, 1942
