John Jefferson Edwards

John Jefferson Edwards, age 87, passed away on May 6, 2023. Born on January 19, 1936 in Apison Pike, Tennessee, to Edith Kay and William Henry Edwards, John was the oldest son in a large, close-knit family of 4 brothers and 4 sisters. He served in the U.S. Air Force before beginning a career in Aerospace. His long 37 year career as an engineer took him from Marietta, Ga to Cape Canaveral Florida and then to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where he resided for 45 years. His love for engines began with his love of automobiles and led him to building the rockets that propelled astronauts into space, to the Moon and then launch the Space Shuttle missions. Another of his passions was water skiing. He would spend many weekends on Lake Mills in Florida, where he taught his son and daughter how to drive the boat while he skied. He also loved building things and had a flair for drawing and architectural design. After retirement, he and Charlotte loved to travel out West and to Alaska and to Tennessee to visit family and friends. They made many happy memories over their 40 year marriage. He was happiest while gardening and driving his tractor. Growing vegetables became an almost year round activity for him.

John is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Wilson Edwards, his son, Johnny Michael Edwards, daughter, Monica Edwards, son Randy Travis, daughter Missy Wilson, sister Joann (Bob) Yates, brother Bill (Joyce) Edwards, brother Gene (Judy) Edwards, brother James Roy (Jane) Edwards, sister Judy Kay (Richard) Guerrant, brothers and sisters in-law, Travis (Frances) Sullivan, Bobby (Ollie) Sullivan, Reggie (Elsie) Sullivan, Keith (Pam) Sullivan, grandsons Jace Fairley, Jacob Fairley, Gage Davis, granddaughter Brittany Landry, great-granddaughter Charlotte and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edith and Henry Edwards, his sisters Barbara Edwards Wolf and Linda Edwards Peckinpaugh, brother Glen Edwards, first wife, Margaret Joann Tyson Edwards and brother in-law Buddy Sullivan.

Family and friends are invited to Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd, Apison, Tennessee for visitation Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 12 to 2 pm. Graveside service to follow at 2:30 pm at Plowman Cemetery, 11122 Old East Brainerd Rd, Apison, Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralhomepoplarville.com for the Edwards family.