ELDER JOSEPH LEE EDWARDS
Haysi, VA- Elder Joseph Lee Edwards, age 86, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 18, 1930 in Dickenson County, he was a son of the late Holiday and Myrtle Edwards. He was a great man, serving proudly as a sailor in the U.S. Navy. He was a jack of all trades, working as a mechanic, a factory worker, bus driver and coal miner. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and an excellent gardener. His last occupation was of the most importance as he served as a preacher of God, he was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by infant sister, Mary Lynn Edwards and a brother-in-law, Gayther Ratliff.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jean Edwards who he married in 1951 sharing 66 years together, two daughters, Debbie Edwards and fiancé Edgar Stanley of Mooresburg, TN and Peggy Edwards and Nick Salyers of Clintwood, a son, Gary (Terrie) Edwards of Dalton, GA, 6 grandchildren, Melody, Joey, Lucas, Cyndi, Becky and Josh, 19 great-grandchildren, a brother, Hansel (Loretta) Edwards of Vansant, sisters, Lois (Danny) Judd of Georgetown, KY and Berniece Ratliff of Orlando, FL and his precious cat, Princess. The family would like to thank Home Nursing, Dr. Cook of Southwest Virginia Cancer Center and special caregiver, Joey Salyers who never left his side, for their compassion in a time of need.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Haysi Funeral Home with Elders, George Ben Combs, Kid Stacy and Henry Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in A.J. Edwards Cemetery, Birchleaf, VA. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with an evening service at 7:00 p.m. with Elders, Roger Fuller, Jimmy Counts and Noah Kim Edwards officiating.
Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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