Obituary – Robert Delano Edwards (November 1, 1933 – July 31, 2025)

Robert Delano Edwards, 91, died Thursday July 31 at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.

He has now been reunited with Annie, his beloved wife of over 70 years. They grew up as neighbors and sweethearts, married young and then enjoyed a long, happy and successful life together. Robert has missed Annie dearly since her death almost four years ago.

Robert is survived by his three children: Debbie Oliver (Mike) of Pawley's Island, SC, Cindy Smith (Mike) of Madison, AL, and Steven Edwards (Tamara) of Huntersville, NC; five grandchildren: Nick Oliver (Liz) of Pawley's Island, SC, Kim Smith Alexander (Eric) of Madison, AL, Whitney Edwards Russell (Travis) of Vinton, VA, Jordan Edwards of Sanford, NC and Sarah Edwards
Lancaster (Andrew) of Morehead City, NC; nine great-grandchildren: Frances Allaire and Agnes Oliver, Eli and Nate Alexander, Carter and Parker Russell, Collins Chaney, Ward and Max Lancaster: his brother, Bruce Edwards, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Robert was originally from southern Robeson County, NC where he grew up on the family tobacco farm. When his father died while he was still a teenager, Robert assumed responsibility for his mother, Sally, and his younger siblings. For the remainder of his life, Robert considered care and oversight for his mother, sisters, nieces and nephews among his most important
responsibilities and greatest accomplishments.

Robert, accompanied by Annie, his mother and young children, eventually left the farm to work in textiles where he forged a successful career starting at Burlington Industries and eventually leading to Hanes where he worked until retirement, earning numerous promotions, honors and awards. This journey took Robert and Annie from South Carolina to North Carolina to Georgia and even to Jamaica. One of Robert's favorite retirement activities was reminiscing about life and work in Jamaica.

Robert loved gardening, traveling with Annie, his pets (especially Princess and Angel), going to Church and visiting family and friends to whom he usually brought fresh vegetables from his garden. Robert was well known for his catfish stew and low country boil which fed many family gatherings.

Visitation is Monday August 4, 2025 from 11:00am to Noon at Floyd Funeral Services, 1549 Marion Stage Rd, Fairmont, NC. Funeral will be at Floyd's in Fairmont immediately following visitation at Noon with burial to follow at Floyd Memorial Cemetery located just across the street.