Robert Eaton Edwards went home to be with the Lord on October 12, 2022. Born in Charlotte, NC, he was the son of Richard Kendrick Edwards Sr. and Betty Eaton Edwards of Charlotte, NC. Robert was a Fort Mill Native graduating from Fort Mill High School before attending ABAC University in GA. He grew up on a dairy farm, which not only instilled his strong work ethic, but also sparked his lifelong love of the outdoors, nature, and wildlife. He was passionate about farming and agriculture, which he continued to pursue throughout his lifetime.
Robert began his career with Duke Power, then later with York Electric Co-Op. As a lineman, he served his community in dangerous and often harsh environments, such as Hurricane Hugo, without any hesitation. He later followed his passion, when he joined his love for the outdoors with his career and founded Edwards Lawn Care of SC, Inc., which thrived for over 30 years. Robert’s hard work and dedication can be seen throughout the Fort Mill community, in the many landscape projects he completed for his clients. As hard as Robert worked, he always said that everything he did was for his family: never losing sight of what God called him to do as a leader and provider.
Robert faithfully served his community and those around him, not only through his careers, but through his personal life, as well. Robert spent several years on the rescue squad in Fort Mill, and nearly a lifetime on Flint Hill Fire Department. Joining at only 16 years old as a junior firefighter, he remained a dedicated member until his passing, also serving on the Board of Directors. Robert found joy in assisting his community in other ways, including volunteering with the Fort Mill High School Band, running for the York Co. Co-Op Board of Directors, and being a member of the Mason’s Catawba Lodge 56.
Robert’s enthusiasm in serving the Lord was evident in not only how he lived his life, but how he spent his time with Flint Hill Baptist Church. He shared his skills, knowledge, and resources to maintain upkeep of the church, the recreational spaces, and served on many committees within the church, in addition to practicing as a deacon.
Robert was blessed with many friends, who he considered his family. He enjoyed spending time with them, whether it be a trip, a hunt, or his weekly Thursday golf game, which he so greatly looked forward to. Being friends with Robert, meant having a loyal friend for life. Robert was quick to take action when he saw an opportunity to help his friends in any way he was capable. His help was never ordinary, but lead from his heart, and always came through in a big way.
Ultimately, though, his family was his heart. Robert was an incredible father and provider, raising his two daughters on his own for many years. His family was his focus and priority in all that he did, no matter the circumstance. Through his actions, his words, and his love, he taught all of his children that family always comes first.
His adoration for his wife, Beth, showed his children the framework of a beautiful and loving marriage. He was an involved and loving father to his additional children, never using the title ‘step’, but only son and daughter. He had a close and loving relationship not only with his parents, but with his two brothers, who were his best friends and partners in all things. Robert enjoyed spending time with his nephews and sons-in-law, teaching them how to work the land and how to respect the balance of nature and wildlife.
In closing, Robert’s friends and family were actually the ones blessed by him. Robert’s legacy will continue to live on through the many people that love him including his wife, Beth, his children Morgan (Chad), Lauren (Ryan), Sarah (Jordan), Denny (Michelle) and his grandchildren Olivia, Claudia, Maria, Kate, Charlie, and Wyatt; his two beloved brothers Richard (Wilma) and Ronald (Jane), his nephews, Jake (Jessica), Matt (Deana), Kendrick (Madison), Luke, and their children Makenzie, Eli, Micah, and Lila Mae.
A memorial service will be held to honor his life on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Flint Hill Baptist church. The family will be receiving friends beginning at 9:30am in the sanctuary, followed by the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of the following:
St. Jude’s Cancer Research
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Anne Springs Close Greenway- ADA Access Trail
PO Box 1209
Fort Mill, SC 29716
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