Final Salute

Cary (more commonly known as Glenn by friends and family) Edwards, 72, fought the good fight until his sudden passing early on the morning of February 13, 2023. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00pm on Saturday, February 25 at Jones Funeral Home in Holly Ridge.
Glenn was born in Wayne County, NC on April 28, 1950 to Cora Hope Edwards (1924) and his late father, Gerald Carson Edwards (1924-2014).
Glenn accomplished many things throughout his life. As a youth he built custom dune buggies along with his friends, Max Isler and Jack Exxell (known to folks by his nickname “Junebug”), for riding around creek banks. He also developed a knack for handiwork, something which would go on to be a lifelong craft for him. Upon graduating from New Hope high school in 1968, he was drafted into service during the Vietnam War. Glenn served his nation proudly and without any complaints, entering into the United States Navy and becoming a member of the United State Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) from 1969-1971. It was during his years of service that he developed a passion for traveling, leaving the country not just for Vietnam but also Australia. Upon returning home to the states, nationwide travel became very common for him. Often Glenn would take his youngest brother Delmar and sister, Betty, along with him for a family trip out west to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and California. He made a tradition out of this somewhat, years later taking his mother, niece Danielle, and son, Adam out there as well. He would have the opportunity to do this one last time in 2017, yet again alongside his son and his aunt Linda.
Glenn was virtually an expert in the field of wastewater management, beginning his long career in this trade in 1971 for Hilco Inc. Installing water lines was something he became very familiar with in his 49 year career. Often Glenn would work well over 40 hours a week, with responsibilities such as overseeing the installation of water lines, sewer lines, manholes, storm drains, and catch basins. In addition to this he’d also built and made alterations to water plants, waste treatments plants, elevated tank foundations, well houses, pump station basins, and electrical panels. He was skilled in roadwork as well, often times on the job having to clear right of ways and make roads ready for paving of asphalt. Outside of his primary occupation of being a Plant Operator, he also worked as an Inspector, held an electrician’s license, and was even an accomplished pilot briefly.
Glenn always cherished his friends and family deeply, and knowing he could provide for them in anyway brought joy and peace to him. He was a simple, yet very loving man. Wise and calm natured more often than naught. Selfless even while battling various diseases; only hoping the best for those around him.
Glenn is survived by his mother, Cora Hope; son, Adam Cole Edwards; brother, Thomas Durand Edwards and wife, Tina; sister, Betty Hope Edwards; niece, Danielle Holland Worrell; and nephew, Dalton Blade Edwards.
In addition to his father Gerald, Glenn is preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Carson Edwards (known to friends and family as “Skeeter”) and Delmar Kay Edwards.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to D.A.V. or the Salvation Army.

Published by Jones Funeral Home – Holly Ridge on Feb. 18, 2023.