Mr. John Robert Edwards, Jr., age 67, a resident of Chocowinity, NC died Monday May 6, 2013 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington, NC.

A graveside funeral service with Masonic rites will be held 2 p.m. Thursday May 9, 2013 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens of Washington officiated by Rev. Owen Arthur.

The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday May 8, 2013 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

Mr. Edwards was born in Beaufort County on November 10, 1945 son of the late John Robert Edwards, Sr. and the late Mimcie Mills Edwards. He was a 1964 graduate of Chocowinity High School and earned his associate degree in engineering at Gastonia Community College.  Mr. Edwards married the former Janie Llewellyn Rawls on July 16, 1971 who survives. He was a retired Assistant Resident Engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation in Craven County. Mr. Edwards was a member of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church of Chocowinity and Washington Masonic Lodge 675.

Surviving along with Mr. Edwards’ wife Janie of the home are two daughters: Leesa Oliver Mann of Chocowinity and Belinda E. Adams and husband Kevin of Greenville; a son: John Heywood Edwards and wife Michelle of Chocowinity; three sisters: Madlyn Perry and Celia Harding both of Chocowinity and Jane Worsley of Washington and a granddaughter: Bethany “Doodles” Oliver of Chocowinity.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated and the family kindly asks for any memorial contributions to be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Ave., Oxford, NC 27565.

 Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

 Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Edwards family.