John Garland “Pete” Edwards Sr.

Published 8:41 pm Monday, November 23, 2015

SURRY — John Garland “Pete” Edwards Sr. 89, passed away Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at home.  A native and lifelong resident of Surry County, Pete was the son of the late John “Jack” Ward and Louise Jones Edwards.  Pete was a farmer most of his life and also retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after more than 25 years of service as a ship fitter.

Pete’s greatest accomplishment in life was his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The more fun he could have with the grandchildren and the “greats’ the better they all liked it.  Pete recently got to hold his “newest” great-grandchild for the first and last time. He enjoyed talking sports, especially softball, and rooting for the local teams. In his pastime he piddled in his garden.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 64 years, Bernie H. Edwards; daughter, Jackie Cheatham and her husband, Alvin; a son, J. Garland Edwards Jr. and his wife, Regina; sister, Mary Louise “Doots” Scott (Joe); his grandchildren, Kelly C. Elder (Scott), Paulin Cheatham (Mary Elizabeth), Dell Cheatham (Magen), Chase Edwards (Kasey), Scotie Edwards, Shep Cheatham, Maigan Birchfield, Grant Cheatham and Chelsea Edwards; and great-grandchildren, Spencer, Miles, Lucas, Sophie, David, Blake, Parker, Addi, Jace, Gunner and Elizabeth; and a host of extended family and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1 p.m. in Bacon’s Castle “Old Brick Church” Cemetery, Surry, with the Rev Ray Rowland officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the home of the daughter.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Surry Co. Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 188, Surry, VA  23883.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, Smithfield, Isle of Wight and the surrounding communities.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.