Reverend John Taylor Edwards, 91, of 2430 Houston Road, Columbus, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Columbus, NC.

John was born in Columbus, NC and was the son of the late John Melvin Edwards andNellie Elizabeth Jones. He graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1969 with an Associates degree in Divinity, and from Gardner-Webb in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts. He was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church.

John was dedicated to the church, and was the pastor of Midway Baptist Mission in Gastonia, NC, Temple Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC, Mulls Memorial Baptist in Shelby, NC, Victory Baptist Church, Asheville, NC, Hickory Grove Baptist in Green Creek, NC, Emmanuel Baptist in Columbus, NC, Pea Ridge Baptist in Mill Spring, NC, Wilson Baptist and Oak Ridge in Rutherford County, NC. He also served as an interim Director of Missions of Polk County.

He loved people and was passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus. He usedevery opportunity from driving a school bus for Tryon Elementary to running a country story in Pea Ridge to share the love of Christ.

John is preceded by parents John and Nellie Edwards, one brother, Charles Edwards, and one daughter, Tresa Edwards. Surviving include his wife Opal Edwards, one daughter Elizabeth Edwards-Burrell (Randy), and one son, David Edwards (Connie). John is survived by three siblings, Kenneth Edwards (Mildred), Jean Guffey (Ron), Terry Edwards (Donna). John was known as Pawpaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he leaves behind five grandchildren, Cade Burrell (Kaitlynn), Coley Burrell (Shelley), Bryce Burrell (Jennifer), Allison Rackley (Blake), and Jackson Edwards. John is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Receiving of friends will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at McFarland’s Funeral Chapel and Crematory, in Tryon, NC.

A funeral celebrating his life will follow at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Paul White and Rev. Hubert Street officiating. Pallbearers will be Cade, Coley, Bryce, Jackson, Julian and Collier.

Burial will follow at Lebanon Methodist Church, 2330 Big Level Road, Mill Spring, NC, 28756.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Faith Baptist Church (265 NC-9, Mill Spring, NC, 28756), to be given to the Baptist Children’s Home.