WOODLAND, NC – Charles Mebane Edwards, age 83, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Creekside Care & Rehabilitation of Ahoskie, NC.

Mr. Edwards was born in Franklin County, VA on April 1, 1932, a son of the late Wallace and Mary Dunning Edwards. Charles was retired after 33 years of service as a Forest Ranger for Hertford County.  He was very active in church and community being a former member, deacon, and Sunday school director of Winton Baptist Church and a current member and deacon of Creeksville Baptist Church.  Charles served as a volunteer chaplain for Southeastern Correctional Center for over 20 years, served as a volunteer fireman for Winton Fire Department for over 20 years and was a charter member of the Winton Rescue Squad.  He was proud of his service to his country, retiring as a 1st Sergeant with 28 years of service with the Army National Guard.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 63 years, Margaret Bolton Edwards; his daughter, Connie Gail Piland and husband, Carl Henry of Woodland, NC; and his son, Charles “Mike” Edwards and wife, Karen of Nashville, TN.  Also surviving is a sister, Betty Jo Rawls of Woodland, NC; five grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

The family received friends on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, NC, and other times at the home.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the Creeksville Baptist Church, Conway, NC, with Mike Edwards, Aaron Pierce, and Pastor Andy Sloan, officiating.  Burial will follow at the Bolton Family Cemetery, at the homeplace.

Flowers are welcome, but the family suggest memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.

Garrett Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Edwards family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.