He was born in Savannah, Georgia and grew up in Bryan County; attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Day School, Memorial Day School, completed a high school home program and attended Ogeechee Technical College.
He was of the Full Gospel Faith and loved to share his testimony about his Savior: Jesus Christ. Only three days before his home going to heaven, he testified that he had heard heaven’s angels singing three different songs in unison.
Jonathan began public music performing at the age of 7, at age 14; he began traveling with many Southern Gospel artists: The Tommy Davis Family Singers, The Florida Melody Boys, Cannaanland Boys, Sanctuary Quartet, Toney Brothers and The Stamps Quartet. During his teenage years, he performed at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, National Quartet Conventions, West Coast Quartet Conventions and many gospel music television shows. His favorite gospel singers were J.D. Sumner and Thomas E. Davis.
At age 22, he relocated to the Nashville/Lebanon, Tennessee area and performed country music on Music Row, The Wild Boar, The Rutledge, Losers and numerous other music venues. His favorite country music artist was Ronnie Milsap. Jonathan enjoyed visiting The Ronnie Milsap Family while living in the Nashville area.
Jonathan P. Edwards (aka: John Rhodes) released his John Rhodes: First Edition country album in 2008. His three original songs on this album climbed the international music charts in Germany, France, and Italy. His second country album: Second Edition is still awaiting distribution. His first gospel album “Seven Spanish Angels” was in the making and set for release in July 2015. He was a member of BMI Publishing; Nashville, Tennessee.
Not only was he an entertainer, recording artist, songwriter, and musician, but he was an avid hunter and loved to spend time hunting in the Buck Creek community.
Survivors include his parents, William A. and Holly S. Edwards; two brothers, Chris Edwards, William G. Edwards; nephew, Ethan Garrett Blaze Edwards; aunt, Virginia Buxton; uncles, Larry (Cindy) Shuman, Foster (Debra) Shuman; many cousins, plus his special companion for 10 years, Kansas (champion red bone hound). Special friends, Megan Ellis, Ronnie Milsap Family, Todd Milsap, Jamie Brantley, Steve Brantley, Norma Concklin, Mary Cooper, Doug Warren, Richard Henderson, Kendall Hadden, Darin Hinton, Ricky Stokes, Tommy Davis III, Andrew Headley, Linda Burke and Leigh Strong.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Faith Temple Church, 6889 Hacylondale Road, Sylvania, Georgia 30467. All family, friends, and fans are invited to celebrate his life with us.
To offer online condolences go to www.fairhavenfuneralhome.net.
Fairhaven Funeral Home & Crematory
2794 West US Highway 80
Garden City, Georgia 31408
(912)964-2862
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