Robert James Edwards

Robert James Edwards, 92, was born in Detroit MI, July 5, 1930, died peacefully at home in Dawsonville GA November 12, 2022.  This year Bob, and his wife, Ellen celebrated 60 years of marriage, 5 children and 9 grandchildren.  He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit in 1948 where he was a star football player, winning the City Championship.  Following his military service with the US Army in Intelligence, Bob completed his BA and Master’s degree at the University of Michigan and maintained his loyalty to the Big Blue all his life.  He began his career at Ford Motor Company, in Cleveland OH, with the Lincoln Mercury division.  He held many assignments at Ford, and retired as the Southern Regional Manager, with Ford Parts and Service out of Atlanta, GA, in 1994 after an impressive 33 ½ year career.  During the retirement years, Bob and Ellen bounced between Destin, FL and Dawsonville, GA, enjoying great times with their loving family and wonderful friends.  Bob continued golfing and became an avid artist, while also finding time to build 3 homes in Destin FL as a general contractor.  Bob loved the game of golf, and actually shot his age when he was 85. That same year he had his second hole-in-one, both of which came after the age of 70.  Known as a natural leader with resiliency and forward thinking, everyone that met Bob loved his charismatic personality, his sharp-witted storytelling, sense of humor, and his booming laugh.  Even in his later years, Bob always maintained his youthful persona and quick wit.  He was a sharp dresser, who could look better than a man half his age.  He had a pragmatic point of view and common-sense wisdom and would always share those thoughts with a beaming ray of optimism.  Bob Edwards started this life with not a lot, but in the end, he was surrounded by a loving family and many friends, and leaves behind an amazing legacy who inspired so many.   

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Edwards and Edna Grace Edwards and his siblings John (Jack) Edwards, and Richard (Dick) Edwards. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Marie, children; Laura (Brad), Amy, Patrick, Christopher (Stacy), Megan (Bowen) and 9 Grandchildren; Andrew, Macaulay, Savannah, Ellie, Charley, Riley, Mills, Grace and Robert.  May your soul find peace.