On Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving family as they sang his favorite hymns, the Rev. Russell Dean Edwards entered into heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a loving father and grandfather.
The Rev. Edwards was born Feb. 19, 1933 in Johnston County, a son of the late Joseph and Lois Rowe Edwards.
He was pastor of Victory Baptist Church for 50 years and the owner/operator of Edwards IGA for 40 years. He served on the Rockingham Fire Department and as fire department chaplain for many years. He was a big fan of Richmond Raider football and for many years delivered the invocation prior to the football game.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Nancy Batten Edwards; a son, Kenneth Russell Edwards; and a granddaughter, Kristy Edwards.
Surviving are his children, Tim Edwards of Fayetteville, Diane Bryant (Bobby), Brenda Burr (Mark), and Tami Rushing, all of Rockingham; grandchildren, Jeanna Cloninger (Justin), Shannon Mabe (Jason), Rusty Edwards (Ashley), Maeghan Hunter (Luke), Colton Burr (Lindsey), Jonathan Rushing and Evan Rushing; and great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Ayden and Ashton Mabe, Kyleigh, Bella and Kent Edwards, Ava Grace and Brenlee Cate Hunter, Paisley Cloninger and Charlotte Burr; brothers, Melvin Edwards, Bob Edwards, Henry Edwards and J.S. Edwards; and sisters, Rose Peele, Betty Pharr, and Jean Garner.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Victory Baptist Church with the Revs. Matt Haynes, Joe Hendricks and Ken Walters officiating. Interment will follow in Richmond County Memorial Park.
The family will see friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times at the Bryant Home.
Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church, Mission Fund, 171 Clemmer Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Carter Funeral Home is assisting the Edwards family.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
