John William Edwards Jr.

John William “Bill” Edwards, Jr.

January 18, 1936 – October 27, 2018

Born to John William & Dorothy Scott Edwards in Rock Hill, SC, Bill grew up in Burlington, NC.  He graduated Duke University in 1957 with a degree in electrical engineering and moved to Connecticut.  There he worked as a civilian for the Navy helping to build submarines and met his first wife, Gail.  After Krista was born in 1963, they moved back to the Carolinas and Elizabeth joined them in 1966.  Bill traveled the world multiple times as part of his work in medical sales while settled in a suburb of Cleveland.  Bill and his second wife, Cyndy, were living in the primary snowbelt of Northeast Ohio when their infant daughter, Kyra, died in 1992.  Their son, John, joined them in 1996 after their move south to the secondary snowbelt. 

Bill spent his last few years in the wonderful care of the staff of Anna Maria of Aurora. He shared greeting duties at the front desk with receptionist and dear friend, Carey, who was graciously by his side when he passed away.  While we are saddened by his death, it is a comfort to know that he no longer copes with the physical degeneration that accompanies Alzheimer’s and his passing was peaceful into the arms of his merciful Savior.

Bill’s life circled around his children, his extended family and friends associated with work, trains, music and the Episcopal Church.  Bill often had a story to tell and willingly shared his stories and sense of humor.  He took great delight in sharing his love of trains by taking family on train rides and collecting and building N-scale models.  He shared his melodious gift of music by singing in church, community performances and at many weddings and special occasions throughout his life.  His lifelong enthusiasm for his beloved Duke Blue Devils never waivered.

He is survived by his son, John William Edwards, III of Akron; daughter Marjorie Krista Edwards Burns of Fort Mill, SC; and Dorothy Elizabeth Edwards Stone, her husband Jonathan and their children, Isabella Victoria Stone and Shepherd Winfield Stone, all of Fort Mill, SC. 

The family wishes to thank the following for loving, serving and honoring their father in such a meaningful way: Carey and the staff of Anna Maria; Nancy and Mike and the staff of Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice; Clergy and congregations of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and Christ Church of Hudson; and dear friends who have visited, communicated or lifted him up in prayer.

Cremation has taken place and his family will celebrate his life privately.

If you are so moved, donations may be sent to

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Macedonia, OH

Christ Church Episcopal, Hudson, Ohio

North Carolina Transportation Museum, Spencer, NC

Duke University Chapel, Durham, NC

Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

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