Robert E. “Gene” Edwards, 85, of Elizabethton, passed away Friday, December 12, 2014, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Stewart and Faye Collins Edwards.
Mr. Edwards served in the United States Navy during World War II and also the Korean Conflict. Prior to his retirement, he worked at North American Rayon Corporation and in construction at Tennessee Eastman. For a period of time he taught welding with the Adult Vocational Program at Science Hill High School. He attended Siam Baptist Church.
Gene was an avid Vols Fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Emogene Hayes Edwards, December 24, 2005, and a brother, Ted Edwards.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and David Jenkins and Lisa and Gary Jenkins, all of Elizabethton; five grandchildren, Nathan Jenkins, Lance Jenkins and wife Carrie, Joseph Jenkins, Logan Jenkins and Jessica White and husband Brad; five great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Earlene Edwards, Elizabethton; several nieces and nephews; and a special aunt, Milan Herman, Elizabethton.
Funeral services for Mr. Edwards were conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, December 16, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jack Roddy officiating. Music was under the direction of Mr. Bill Anderson, “Singing for the Savior” and Miranda Anderson. Graveside services and interment were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were Rick Arnold, Phillip Campbell, Charles Edwards, Mike Edwards, Gary Edwards, Johnny Edwards, Paul Herman and Chris Cornett. Honorary pallbearers were his special friends and neighbors. The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the Emergency Room Staff of Sycamore Shoals Hospital and the Heart Critical Care Unit, Johnson City Medical Center. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion. To those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Edwards to Siam Baptist Church, 2414 Siam Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be made at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Edwards family.