Joseph Clarence Edwards, Jr., 94, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away February 3, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was a lifelong resident of Pendleton, NC and was the son of the late Joseph Clarence and Lollie Edwards. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert K. Edwards, William D. (Bill) Edwards, and Mack S. Edwards.

Joe was a longtime Northampton County farmer, winning many awards for his peanut production, and was highly respected not only for his love of farming, but also for being such a caring steward of the land. Joe attended Mars Hill College for a brief time before enlisting in the Navy, where he served his country on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam in the South Pacific during World War II.

A lifelong member of Robert's Chapel Baptist Church, Joe served as a Trustee and a Deacon. An avid golfer, Joe was a member of Beechwood Country Club in Ahoskie, NC where he won Club Championship titles in 1959, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1973, 1974, and 1975.

Survivors include his wife of 68 wonderful years, Edith Davis Edwards. Their children include Betty Anne Edwards Long, husband, Leslie and their children, Jason and Leigh Anne and great grandson Jake; Bobby Joe Edwards, wife Beth Pruden Edwards and their children, Bobby Thomas and Caroline; also, Abigail Edwards Foy, her husband, Steve and great grandson, Jackson and Joe Edwards, wife Georgana and great grandson, Cooper; Patsy Edwards Marks, husband, Robert F. Marks, III and their children Kelly Russell and great grandson Scott, Megan Marks and Robert F. Marks, IV; Sallie Edwards Smith, husband David and granddog, Chloe; his sisters, Frances Edwards Warren and husband Calvin, Louise Edwards Mann, Anne Edwards McPhail, sister-in-law, Lois L. Edwards, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2017, with the Reverend Dr. James D. Crocker officiating.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his hospice nurses, Dr. Michael Alston, Dr. Geniene Jones, and Elaine Manley.

The family will receive friends at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, Post Office Box 128 Pendleton, NC 27862 and Vidant Hospice of Ahoskie, NC.