Sapphire - John H Edwards born March 21, 1932 passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 in Highlands Hospital.

John Edwards was born in Cullman Alabama and attended public schools in Cullman. He was the son of the late John Hardy, Sr. and Athalene Heck Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Edigna Ratliff.

After a brief stint of active duty in the US Air Force, John attended Stetson University in Deland Florida, where he was active on Stetson athletic teams.  He received his BS in education at Stetson University.

He was married to Phyllis Edwards on NBC's Bride and Groom television show in 1954. He was active for 12 years as athletic Director and coach at a variety of institutions in West Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, Texas, and South Carolina.

In 1986 he retired from education and opened a business, Continental Cliffs development located in Cashiers, North Carolina from 1986 until 2006. His company built and developed homes in Cashiers, Highlands, and Sapphire Valley. In addition to John's homebuilding and development business, he was active in founding Mountain Wildlife Days in Sapphire Valley, an  annual educational summer program for children and adults.  This he  directed  for 17 years.

John leaves behind his wife of 69 years, two sons, Dan Steven Edwards and John Mark Edwards married to Margaret Edwards, two grandchildren Sara Margaret Moore, (husband Will) and Luke Mark Edwards, (wife Sydney) six great grandchildren, Griffin, Coleman, Calhoun Edwards, and EC, Al and Lawton Moore of Anderson South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Haven of Rest, 219 West Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

Memorial services will be held 3pm, Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Cashiers United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.