Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Connie Faye Currie Edwards; his parents, Frank Arnold Edwards and Elizabeth Glenn Edwards and two brothers Arthur Edwards and Richard Edwards.

He is survived by three sons, John Clarence Edwards, Jr. and  wife Kathy  of Lawndale; Timmy Edwards and  wife Sherry and Keith Edwards and wife Cindy, all of Shelby; two daughters: Darlene Davis and husband Eugene of Shelby and Annette Edwards of Morganton; two sisters, Lucille Byrd and husband Charlie of Pleasant Gardens and Mary Hollifield and husband Earl of Sunshine; three brothers: Bruce Edwards and wife Oleta of Marion and Howard Edwards of Pleasant Gardens and Wayne Edwards and Donna of Marion and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cleveland Funeral Services is serving the family.