Preston Arvil Edwards, 99, of Woodfin, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 20, 2024. He was the son of the late Luther and Ethel Smith Edwards of Mars Hill, NC. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy Jo Fisher Edwards; infant son, Carson Edwards; son, Keith Edwards; two grandsons, Jason Edwards and Shane Nesbitt; two brothers, JV and Carol Edwards; two sisters, Ruby Slagles, and Maxine Tuten.

Preston was a Navy veteran of World War II. He served on the Mighty Midgets. After returning from the war, he went to work for The Fredrickson Motor Freight for four years, the VA Hospital for twelve years, and Carolina Freight which he retired from after 25 years; but continued driving semi-trucks until the age of 86.

Preston was a Deacon and the oldest active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church of Marshall. A member of the Masonic Lodge of Marshall, also Eastern Star, Shriners, and York Rites. He served on the board of the Woodfin Fire Dept.

He is survived by a son, Anthony Edwards (Joyce) of Marshall; a daughter, Sherry Nesbitt (David) of Fairview; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Edwards of Marshall; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a great great-grandchild; special friend and adventurous companion, Kathryn Wilds and her extended family.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday May 25, 2024, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Phillip Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Bull Creek Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers are: Nathan Edward, Aaron Edwards, Jonathon Anders, Logan Anders, Mark Edwards, Luke Edwards, Joel Edwards, Kent Tuten, Donald Slagle, Russell Wyatt, and Terry Worley II.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would also like to recognize and offer special thanks to the VA Hospital Drs. and Nurses that cared for Preston during his stays. Also, Four Season Hospice caregivers for the compassionate and loving care given during his time under their care.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.