John Edwards, Jr.

Canton – John Raymond Edwards, Jr., 76, “Sandy” of the Bethel Community passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at his residence, two short days prior to his 77th birthday.

John was a native of Milford, Connecticut and son of the late John, Sr. and Christina Edwards.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Edwards Indgin and a son-in-law, Austin Blake Bolton.  He served in the United States Army during the TET Offensive Vietnam Era.  John was a graduate of the United States Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, Kentucky as a second 2nd Lieutenant serving in Vietnam.  He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal, two purple hearts and the Combat Infantryman Badge.  Later he became an accomplished real estate developer in south Florida.  John was widely known for his environmentally sensitive also known as “xeriscaping” resort properties established in the 70’s.  During his 35 years in the Florida Keys, John was an avid backcountry saltwater fisherman and was one of the founding members of the Florida Conservation Association.  In Western North Carolina, he was an active member of Trout Unlimited for freshwater conservation.  John loved to entertain with extravagant parties, fabulous food, and never-ending libations.  His hobbies also included his love for Ferrari sports cars, racing, and especially sharing his experiences with loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margaret Edwards; two daughters, Morgan Margaret Edwards of Canton, and Jennifer Edwards White (Kevin) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; one son, John R. Edwards, III (Nikki) of Atlanta, Georgia; Jennifer and John’s mother, Virginia Edwards of Tavernier, Florida; and five grandchildren, Lindsay, Quade, Matigan, Emma, and Blake.

A memorial will be announced later to be held in the Florida Keys and an inurnment will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Open-Door Ministries, 32 Commerce Street, Waynesville, NC  28786 or Mountain Projects, Inc., 2177 Asheville Highway, Waynesville, NC  28786.

The care of Mr. Edwards has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com