Charles Dean “Chuck” Edwards, 88, of Mill Spring, N.C. passed away, Monday morning, July 17 in his garden, where he loved to work.

Born in Polk County, N.C., he was the son of the late Charlie Grayson Edwards and Nellie Arledge Edwards. Charles Dean attended Mill Spring School, and then served in the army and in World War II. He worked at Grays Hosiery Mill in Hendersonville, N.C., Butte Knit in Spartanburg, S.C. and Daniels Construction Corporation in Greenville, S.C.

Charles Dean loved gardening, camping, and spending time with his family. He was known as a legend, a respected teacher of the laws of the land and most importantly in the ways of the Lord. He was a lifelong member of Silver Creek Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 58 years. He retired from the Polk County Rescue Squad after 45 years of service. He was also a board member of the Polk County Soil & Water Conservation.

Charles Dean is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris Delvechio Edwards; two daughters, Judy E. Jackson (Benny), Ann E. Gibbs (Mike), and a son, Bob Edwards (Jean), all of Mill Spring, N.C. He was a proud grandpa of 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2017 in Silver Creek Baptist Church, Mill Spring, N.C. with Rev. Rob Hefner officiating and special words given by grandson, Jason Kilgore and Robbie Price of the Polk County Rescue Squad.

Burial will follow in Silver Creek Baptist Cemetery, Mill Spring, N.C.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Youth/Children Fund of Silver Creek Baptist Church, P.O. Box 342, Mill Spring, NC 28756 or Polk County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 606, Columbus, NC, 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, N.C.