William Don Edwards

William Don Edwards, age 79, passed away Monday, September 7, 2026 at Wayne/UNC Healthcare. Born in Johnston County, NC, he was the son of the late William and Hazel Bailey Edwards. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking. Most important in his life was his family and was always known to be a kind and gentle soul as well as having a great sense of humor.

Don is survived by his wife, Ella Louise Edwards; children, Donna Adams & husband, Andy, Ronnie Edwards, and Stacy Whittington & husband, Russ; grandchildren, Brian, Brandi, Brandon, Brittani, Jessica and Emili; great grandchildren, Savannah, Jayden, MacKenzie, Nolan, Leland, and Zachary; brothers, Joey Edwards & wife, Cindy and Wilbert Edwards & wife, Wilma; his children’s mother, Sandra Grady; many special nieces & nephews; and 4 stepchildren.

Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan Lively and granddaughter, Ashley Head; brother & sister-in-law, Pete and Grace Edwards; sister, Pamela K. Edwards Stanley.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Heath officiating. Burial will follow in the Patetown Cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of his daughter, Stacy Whittington, 407 Johnson Branch Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be directed to Cure for Colors c/o Southern Eastern Medical Oncology, 203 Cox Blvd, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Edwards family, and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com

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