Jack Edwards Obituary

Rev. Jack Ray Edwards, 86, of Taylorsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on April 6th, 1939, in Folsom, Georgia, Jack lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. He was the son of the late Paul Leon Edwards and Rosalie Godfrey Edwards, and stepmother, Nell McElrath Edwards and was preceded in death by three brothers. He is survived by two brothers, Paul and Henry Edwards, and three sisters, Jean, Alice, and Betty. On July 2nd, 1960, Jack married the love of his life, Ann Rutland, and together they built a life of love and faith that spanned more than 65 years. Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Ann Rutland Edwards, and their four children: Linda Edwards Whitener, Karen Edwards, Nathan Edwards (Jennifer), and Raythan Edwards (Stacy). His legacy continues through nine beloved grandchildren-Justin Singleton (Toni), Katie Coleman (Stephen), Zach Whitener (Carol), Sara Smith (Josh), Alexis Edwards, Devin Edwards, Barry Edwards, Olivia Edwards, and Frances Edwards-as well as nine great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to his later years. Rev. Edwards was ordained as a Baptist preacher on October 10th, 1971. Over the course of 54 years of ministry, he faithfully pastored nine churches, touching countless lives with his steadfast love for the Lord and compassionate spirit. His words in the pulpit were matched by his actions in the community, serving as a spiritual guide and a humble servant to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Zion Hill Baptist Church on Mission Road in Cartersville, Georgia. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM at Zion Hill Baptist Church and Friday from 1:00 PM until the start of the service. Rev. Jack Ray Edwards will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful friend, and a true man of God. His impact on the lives he touched is a lasting testimony to his unwavering faith and commitment to service. R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Rev. Jack Ray Edwards.