George Lawrence Edwards, Jr.

Rev. George Lawrence Edwards, Junior, 73, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of December 8, 2022.  Bravely fighting cancer for nearly 5 years, he peacefully died at home with his devoted wife of 30 years by his side.

George was born on January 6, 1949 in Danville, Illinois and was preceded in death by his father George L. Edwards, Sr. and his mother Ruth Marie Harding Edwards.

He leaves behind his wife, Jan, his stepson Rob Pattillo (Teressa) and stepdaughter Jennifer Pattillo. George also leaves his grandchildren Emily, William & Matthew.

Graduating from Danville High School in June of 1967, George went on to receive degrees from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

With the grace of God, he was able to serve in varied ministries for 52 years. George preached his first sermon at the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Ridge Farm, Illinois at the age of 17. His first pastor’s position was with Mt. Zion Christian, in Hannibal, MO beginning in June 1968.  His first youth pastor’s position was with First Christian Church (DOC) of Keokuk, Iowa.

After graduating seminary, George was called to Beech Grove as their first full time associate minister.

Linwood Christian Church (DOC) called him to be their associate minister to serve with their senior minister of 36 years, who was to retire in 2 years.  Once the senior minister retired, George became the interim pastor during the search and call for a new pastor was ongoing. 

However, God had other plans, after serving as interim pastor at Linwood for two years, George was called to First Christian Church (DOC) of Birmingham, Alabama to be their associate minister with the major responsibility of administration of the Hargis Christian Retreat. One of the greatest jobs in his career was being a vital part of the Hargis Christian Camp as support for all volunteers and staff.  His friendly face could be seen fulfilling every need at the camp.

He was then called to be the assistant minister and business manager at the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church in Dearborn, Michigan. 

Returning to his love of ministry he accepted a call to be the senior minister at Ft. Lewis Christian Church in Salem, VA. Remaining at Ft. Lewis Christian until he was first diagnosed with sarcoma cancer in 2000, sending 27 spots to his lungs. Given 2 years to live, he became cancer free in 2003.

He was then called to New Covenant Christian Church as their interim pastor and was eventually called to serve that church until his retirement. Delivering Meals on Wheels on his days off, upon his retirement from the church he was hired full time as the Assistant Director of Nutrition at the Salem Local Office on Aging. Proudly holding that position until 5 years ago when cancer again returned. 

With his beloved wife, Jan, they returned to Birmingham to be close to family.

A private graveside service will be held for family and friends.  A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at Grace Christian Church (DOC), 869 Co. Rd. 52, Helena, AL 35080 on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Rev. George Edwards Memorial Fund” at Grace Christian Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Rev. George L. Edwards Memorial Fund at Grace Christian Church, 869 County Road 52, Helena, AL 35080. Questions/information please contact: Rev. Brad Henderson at 205-426-1233.

“Grieve not, because God has blessed me with a loving family, as well as a beautiful life with surprising opportunities and many wonderful friends.  I thanked God every day for my wonderful life,”