Frederick Wilson Edwards, Sr. of Judge Rd., Tryon, N.C., passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017 in Spartanburg Regional Hospital in Spartanburg, S.C.  

He was born in Polk County on April 10, 1932, and was the son of the late Clarence Wilson Edwards and Elsie Wofford Edwards.  

Fred was a graduate of Tryon High School where he played football and was a member of the school golf team. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. and Japan. During his term he served as a military police for the U.S. Army.  

Fred was also a member of Tryon Fire Department for over 30 years. He held several officer positions and was awarded “Fireman of the Year”. He enjoyed his position of organizing the Fireman’s Annual Christmas Parade for over 20 years.  

His love for Nascar racing led him to his career in the auto parts business. He began at Napa Auto Parts and continued at Stott’s Chevrolet and Stott’s Ford. He later became owner of Tryon Auto Parts (Carquest).  

Fred also had a love for the game of golf. He started playing at the age of 9 at Tryon County Club where he held several course records including nine club championships (first to three peat), nine senior club championships, and several hole-in-ones. He was a member of a 205 man N.C. Fireman’s Association which played courses throughout North Carolina. Fred’s most exciting moment in golf was on his 19th birthday he caddied for Sam Snead at an exhibition at Tryon County Club in 1951.  

Fred was predeceased in death by his loving and caring wife of 62 years, Shirley Edwards. 

Surviving are two sons, Fred Edwards, Jr. (Phyliss) of Lake Lure, N.C. and Phillip Edwards (Paula) of Columbus, N.C. Also surviving are the pride and joy of his life, four grandchildren, Wilson Edwards, Jonathon Edwards, Alex Tapp, and Miranda Stacy, and one great granddaughter, Annabelle Stacy. Also surviving are two sisters, Doris Wadford (Mitch) and Mary Anne Edwards both of West Columbia, S.C. 

Services will be held Sunday, August 27, 2017, celebrating the life of Fred Edwards and the 62nd wedding anniversary of Fred and Shirley Edwards at 2:00 p.m. in Tryon First Baptist Church, 125 Pacolet St., Tryon, N.C., with Dr. Jeff Harris and Mr. Phil Scoggins officiating. 

Memorials may be made to Tryon First Baptist Church Audio/Visual Funds, P.O. Box 1287, Tryon, N.C. 28782.  

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

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory 

Tryon, N.C.