John Edwards

John Douglas "J. D." Edwards, 95, of Spartanburg, SC, died Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born September 27, 1917, on Old Settle Road, Inman, SC, he was a son of William P. Edwards and Annie Mary Settle Edwards. Mr. Edwards has always resided in the West View area of Spartanburg. His vocation was the building business; having been co-owner of Roebuck Buildings Company, Inc., and President of Roebuck Reality Company, Inc., he retired in 1982. J. D. was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II - spending twenty-two months of his five years of service in the European Theatre in France, Germany, and Italy in the 697th Field Artillery Division. He enjoyed sharing his stories of "The War" with family, friends, and school children. In 1954, J. D. was one of the founders, and a charter member, of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. He served as deacon, elder, and was awarded Elder Emeritus in 2000. He served on various Sessional, Building, and Pastoral Nominating Committees. J. D. established a scholarship fund for deserving Covenant graduates to further their education. The Fellowship Hall of the church is named in his honor. J. D. has been very active in the Presbytery helping to develop Camp Eva Good, serving as moderator of Enoree Presbytery, moderator of The Presbytery of the Piedmont and twice as Presbytery Delegate to the General Assembly. He also served on the Presbytery's Staff and New Church Development Committees. J. D. was an active member of the following organizations: a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner, Spartanburg Sertoma Club (since1961) and Executive Sertoma Club, The Civitan Rehabilitation Workshop, and Greater Spartanburg Ministries. In 1957, he helped organize the West View-Fairforest Fire Department and served as chairman of the commissioners for 36 years. He served on the Piedmont Interstate Fair Board as chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. J. D. was first married to Doris Lyday Edwards for 49 years. From this marriage he has a son, John D. Edwards, Jr. and wife Nancy Skinner Edwards of Inman, SC, and a daughter, Mary Edwards Hendrick and husband Steve Hendrick of Charlotte, NC. His second marriage was to Catherine Ramsey Couch Edwards in 1997. His beloved grandchildren are: Shannon Hendrick and wife Dandy, Suzanne Hendrick, and Beth Edwards Wilson and husband Jay Wilson, all of Charlotte, NC, Polly Edwards Padgett and husband Josh Padgett of Summerville, SC, Ben Edwards and wife Anna Edwards of Inman, SC. He is also survived by stepchildren: Ken and wife Susan Couch, Roger and wife Joy Couch, Mike and wife Sarah Couch, all of Spartanburg, SC; step-grandchildren, Melissa and Nicholas Miller, Kelly and Brad Woodard, "K. C.", Rob and Leah Couch, Will and Christiane Couch, Elizabeth Couch; great-grandchildren, Jameson, Annabeth, Benett and Millijane Edwards, Gavin, Sophia, and Deacon Hendrick, Haley Wilson, Ella and Wren Padgett; and step-great-grandchildren, Rowan Couch, Harper Couch, Arlie Jennings, and Luke Miller. He was predeceased by sisters, Annie Laura Logan and Althea Goings; brother, Ryan Edwards; half-sisters, Willie Mae Morris, Maggie Settle, Nellie Wolf; and half-brothers, Marvin, Claude, and Rufus Edwards. Visitation will be held 1:30-3:00 PM Sunday, July 28, 2013, in Edwards Hall at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Robert H. Brozina and the Rev. Dr. B. E. Pettit. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 880 W. O. Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301. The family is at the home. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Douglas "J. D." Edwards please visit our Sympathy Store.