Thomas Lee Edwards

Thomas Lee Edwards passed away May 29, 2022 at age 91. He was born on December 12, 1930 outside of Haleyville, AL in a cabin his father and grandfather built near Old Union Baptist Church. He attended numerous elementary schools while growing up due to the family moving frequently from mill village to mill village in Alabama. He attended Winfield High School and played football, baseball, and basketball. Prior to graduating, Tom joined the Navy in March,1951. He was stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station and Midway Island. After processing out of the Navy in March of 1955, Tom moved to Ft. Pierce, Florida where he met and later married Martha Whalin on October 25,1958. Tom and Martha moved to Florence, AL and Tom enrolled and graduated from Florence State Teachers College (Known today as University of North Alabama). Tom loved his family and loved the family of God. He and Martha raised 2 children, David Lee Edwards and Sherri Lucille Edwards. 

Tom and Martha were longtime members of First Christian Church in Florence. While attending First Christian Church, Tom served as Deacon and loved making the coffee each Sunday morning for fellowship hall.

Tom and Martha later became active members of Highland Baptist Church. Tom loved serving Jesus and serving people. He soon found a way to serve Highland by diligently working with the Church finance committee. After he retired, he worked with a group from Highland to build churches, church additions, and the addition to the Colbert Lauderdale Baptist Association. Tom and Martha enjoyed serving on mission trips to Oneida, Kentucky. 

Tom worked in data processing and accounting at Genesco, Chem Haulers, and Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital. 

Tom’s favorite hobbies included fishing and golf. He loved fishing Smith Lake in the Spring and anyone was welcome in his boat. He would gladly share his secret techniques to pursue spotted bass. Tom would then promptly take his guest ‘to school’ on catching them. 

Tom loved his animals. They included numerous dogs and even an old, black Racking horse named Star. 

Tom started playing golf later in life. After retirement, he picked up a set of clubs and taught himself how to play. He enjoyed the game and played well up to age 90, consistently shooting under his age.

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