May 2, 2026, 89, Goldsboro – Edwin Ray Edwards, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Wayne County on November 30, 1936, Ed was the son of the late Thomas E. Edwards and Hazel McCullen Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mable Johnson, and his brother, Gene Edwards.
Ed was raised in Newton Grove and graduated from Newton Grove High School. He went on to attend North Carolina State College in Raleigh, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering—a field that would shape much of his professional life. Following his graduation, Ed proudly enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Due to his engineering expertise, he served stateside during his military tenure. He later continued his service for six years with the North Carolina Army National Guard.
A dedicated member of his community, Ed served as a young man on the Board of Aldermen for the City of Goldsboro and was an active member of the Goldsboro Downtown Lions Club. Professionally, he partnered with James Cox in Cox-Edwards Company, where he became an integral part of the company’s success as a construction engineer. Known for his sharp mind and love of mathematics, Ed particularly enjoyed working on bids for projects within the City of Goldsboro.
Ed’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, where he was baptized and faithfully served in many capacities, including several terms as Chairman of the Deacon Board.
A proud supporter of his alma mater, Ed was a loyal member of the Wolfpack Club and the NC State Alumni Association. He had a lifelong love of sports—playing baseball in his younger years and later coaching his son’s team at the Wayne County Boys Club. He also served as president of the Touchdown Club. In his leisure time, Ed enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams: the New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, and Washington Redskins.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joyce Blackmon Edwards; his daughter, Andrea “Andy” Gray and husband Gary; his son, Scott Edwards and wife Andee; his grandchildren, Spencer Gray, Rachel Butler and husband Jonathan, Auston Gray, and Justin Edwards; and his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Nathan Butler. He is also survived by his brother, Mack Edwards; his sister, Annette Kennedy; his sister-in-law, Minnie Mae Edwards; along with several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, followed by a service to first glorify God then celebrate Ed’s life at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Brad Parker. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Newton Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Avenue Baptist Church, 300 S. Madison Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27530, or to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.
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