Carl Gerrard Edwards, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 9, 2025 at Latta Baptist Church with inurnment in Magnolia Cemetery directed by Cooper Funeral Home. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to the service at the church.
Born in Asheville, NC, on May 16, 1945, he was the son of the late David Thomas “D. Tom” Edwards and Lorna Gerrard Edwards. He was a devoted member of Latta Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and dedicated Deacon.
Carl married his high school sweetheart, Gayle, and the two shared 56 wonderful years together before her passing in December 2021. He graduated from Fayetteville Technical College, was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, and retired from Sunox, Inc., where he enjoyed a successful career in sales.
Active in his community, Carl embraced many hobbies throughout his life. He was a member of the Auxiliary Police Force, Latta Gun Club, Masonic Lodge, and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). An avid outdoorsman, he loved golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was also a Harley-Davidson enthusiast who treasured riding his motorcycle and taking mountain trips with Gayle. Carl restored a ’57 Bel Air and enjoyed traveling to car shows to share his passion with others.
He never met a stranger, and if you spent any time talking with him, you likely heard joyful stories about his three girls and his grandchildren, his greatest pride.
Carl is survived by his daughters, Shelley Pritchett (Stuart) of Surfside Beach, Carla Shelley (Stacy) of Latta, and Holly Davis (Jay) of Florence; grandchildren Jessica and Jacob Pritchett, Emily Murtha (John), Dylan Shelley, Bella and Harrison Davis; and great-grandson, Tripp Murtha. He is also survived by his sister, Ione Allen; brother, Paul Edwards (Helen); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Edwards, and his brother-in-law, Glenn Allen.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Patriot Hospice Care, Veteran Village, and his dedicated caregivers, Donna & Curtis, Jan, Sherry, Leslie, Jackie, Margie, and Hattie for their faithful and loving support over the past 5 years.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
The family will receive friends at the residence of Carla Shelley, 753 Lucky Run, Latta.
