Homer Paige Edwards

Homer Paige Edwards, 95, passed away on January 9, 2021 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville after a brief illness. He was born in Catawba County on April 19, 1925, the son of the late John David and Mintie Jane Edwards.

Homer attended Monticello and Scotts Schools; later attending Troutman High School. He left high school at 17 years of age in early 1942 to join Navy with his good friend Buddy Sides after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. On February 11, 1946 he married, Dorothy “Dot” Schafer Edwards, his high school sweetheart, who to be with the Lord on October 10, 2005. They were a match made in heaven! He left employment with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to work with his family-owned business at Hill Haven Residential Care, Inc. in the late 1960’s.

Homer was blessed with youthfulness and good health that belied his age right until his passing.  While he leaves behind many who will miss him dearly, he is now reunited in eternal life with Dot, his wife and the love of his life, and with countless family and friends. 

Surviving are two daughters, Pamela Edwards Ford and Renee Edwards Rogers; two grandchildren, Richard Rogers (Elaine) and Alyson Rogers Voelske (Brian) and two great grandchildren, Landon Voelske and Lillian Voelske. Also surviving is his little fur baby, Gigi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters (Esco, Hansel, Herschel, George, Chauncey, Cyril, Caster, Nona Edwards Kay and Nina Edwards Sittman).

While Homer and Dot had many achievements in life, their greatest gift was providing their daughters, Pam and Renee, a loving and caring home grounded in faith.  That love and care would be extended to their grandchildren and great grandchildren of whom they were immensely proud. It has been said that a man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.  Homer lived a truly abundant life, and he has set an example for many to follow.  He was a man of undying faith, and he dearly loved his church family at Landmark Church of God.  He was proud to be the Church’s oldest member and proud of his commitment to be present with the Church even during these trying times.  Being part of the greatest generation, hard work and dedication to service were part of Homer’s soul.  He achieved many successes in his life, yet he took great pleasure in simple things- conversations with friends, riding his tractor, gardening, yard work, tomato sandwiches, Chick-fil-A.  Homer had a gift of making everyone feel loved and welcome, and it came straight from his heart.  Spending time with him was a joy, and you had his undivided attention.  His wonderful sense of humor allowed him to not take himself too seriously, and he could lighten up a room with his smile and his warmth.

Pam and Renee have many fond memories of their father.  He never acted his age.  Homer was known to scrimmage with Troutman High School boys’ basketball team, and, though more than twice their age, he held his own!  He was an accomplished athlete and avid golfer for many of his 95 years.  His gardening skills were unmatched, and he loved growing vegetables for others to enjoy.  Some have said he would grow enough to feed Iredell County!  Homer was not a shy man, and he was not embarrassed to share his faith.  Just two years ago while dining with Pam at a restaurant in Virginia, he stood up and serenaded the restaurant patrons with one of his favorite hymns.  To Pam’s surprise, the patrons joined him in singing!   It was a special moment, not only because how spontaneous it was, but mainly because this was the quintessential Homer.  He embraced every moment life brought him, and he made people smile.

Due to restrictions regarding COVID-19, a graveside service was held at Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Thursday, January 14, 2020.  A celebration of Homer’s life will be held at a later date at Landmark Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Landmark Church of God, 2200 E. Broad St., Statesville, NC 28625 or Samaritans Purse, 7100 Forest Point Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217.

Homer was a good man, and he will be missed.  Those he leaves behind take solace in knowing that he is in the loving arms of Jesus, and he has heard the words “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant”.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Karen Luther, social worker, Melissa Moose and Sabrina Cook, nurses who gave such loving care to the Edwards family and Mr. Edwards while he was at the Gordon Hospice House. They were our angels. Also, man thank you’s to Joe Troutman, William Troutman and Betty Gibson for each and every kindness.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com

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