David Phillip Edwards Jr.

Mr. Edwards was born in Fayetteville, NC, on November 19, 1944, and was the son of the late David Phillip Edwards, Sr. and Mary Mildred Dawson Edwards. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Janie Bell Gibson.

Mr. Edwards honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Upon completing Airborne School, 2LT Edwards attended and completed Special Forces Training at Ft Bragg, NC, to earn his coveted Green Beret. In 1969, he deployed to Vietnam, where he distinguished himself by earning the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge, Vietnamese Jump Wings, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Combat Medal w/60 Device, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Edwards was a second-generation general contractor and then a Special Education Teacher. He was highly devoted to his wife, Kay, married for almost 59 years. He was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church. Mr. Edwards took great pleasure in serving and doing for others. He lived his faith by his actions and his words. Mr. Edwards was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed sailing, kayaking, and fishing, but most of all, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren on outdoor adventures.

He is survived by his wife, Kay M. Edwards of the home; two sons, Phillip Edwards and wife Lori of Holly Springs, NC and Ben Edwards and wife Amy of Southport, NC; six grandchildren, Dawson, Davis, Gaetano, Dylan, Anna Kay and Sean.

A memorial service will be held at Hay Street United Methodist Church, Fayetteville, NC on Saturday October 5, 2024 at 1:30 pm with Reverend David Woodhouse officiating. Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Mr. Edwards and his wife, Kay, gave to many causes over the years, too many to count. Their giving extended beyond their faithful giving to their church. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Hay Street United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church Southport, Eastern North Carolina Food Bank, Don Lee Center, or the charity of your choice.

You may offer online condolences at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, NC