Joseph Ray Edwards, 60, of Eden, formally known as Spray, passed on Saturday, April 3, 2021.

A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 9, 2021 at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. The family will receive family and friends from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.

Joseph was born in Spray on October 22, 1960, a son of Phillip Ray and Betty Martin Edwards, both deceased. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in law, Booker and Maxine Hudson, and his sister-in-law and very special friend, April Bolick.

He had worked for the Department of Corrections, and Probation Parole. He enjoyed fishing with his fishing buddies and loved sports. His favorite teams were the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, and the UNC Tarheels. He also loved to restore vintage vehicles.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Anita Edwards; his daughter, Amber Jones and husband Christopher; his son, Joseph Hunter Edwards; his grandchildren, Kennon, Kolton, and Kylie; his sister, Tammy Truitt and husband Bo; his brother, Jeff Edwards and wife Lisa; his sister-in-law, Crystal McCorkle and husband Wayne; his nieces, Tina, Christy, Jennifer, Lindsey, Kerri, and Sierra; his nephew, Michael; his great nieces, Macy, Casey, and Tori; his great nephews, Jimmy Lee, Tanner, and Kyler; his great-great nieces, Alba and Ever; and his great-great nephew, Kaysen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Moses Cone, the Greensboro Police Department, and the first responders.

Even through this tragic loss, Joseph was helping others. He was an organ donor, and his beautiful eyes were donated to give the gift of sight.

He loved watching his grandchildren play baseball at the Boys & Girls Club of Eden, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the Boys & Girls Club of Eden, 1026 Harris Street, Eden, NC 27288, or the Bridge Street Recreation Center, 319 N. Bridge Street, Eden, NC 27288.