He was predeceased by his father, Bert Edwards, Mother, Julia Byers Edwards, sister Frances, brother Horace and half-brothers Ruel and Lee.

Survivors include: a son, James Michael Edwards and wife Anita of Green Creek, a daughter, Wanda Edwards Beam and husband Kenneth of Shelby, and grandchildren Jason Beam and Jada Henderson both of Shelby; four great-grandchildren, sisters Hazel Gantt of Columbus and Charlotte Fowler of Lynn.

Memorials services will be private.

The family will have a Gathering of Friends Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.

&bsp;An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary