Limestone College Mourns The Loss of Dr. Preston Edward

Longtime Gaffney physician and Limestone College benefactor and friend Dr. Preston Edwards touched the lives of countless Cherokee County residents in a life devoted to service.

Edwards, 94, died Sept. 15, just three days short of his 95th birthday.

"Dr. Edwards epitomized Limestone College's mission of living a life dedicated to leadership and service,” said Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin. “The philanthropy and dedication of Preston and his wife and Limestone alumna, Faye, to Limestone will continue to impact our students for decades to come. I join so many of our alumni and friends who mourn his loss. Dr. Edwards' big heart, passion, and de...ep affection for Limestone will be greatly missed.

“From his wise and trusted leadership on our Board of Trustees, to the endowed scholarship he and his wife have provided, to his philanthropic heart, Preston’s legacy will live on forever at Limestone,” Dr. Griffin added. “As we celebrate Dr. Edwards’ abundant life of giving, we also hold Faye, their children, other family members, and his many friends in our prayers.”

Below is Dr. Edwards' full obituary:

Gaffney, S.C. - George Preston Edwards completed a long and productive life of 94 years on September 15, 2017, three days short of his 95th birthday. Born in Johnston, S.C. he was the youngest and last surviving of four children born to Elzie Bland and Beulah Sawyer Edwards.

He came to live and work in Gaffney in 1948 at 26 years old, freshly graduated from the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston. At this time he began a 59 year career as a general physician. In Gaffney he met Faye Carter, who was then a Limestone College student, with whom he would share 66 years of marriage. She survives him.

In 1950 he temporarily suspended his private practice to fulfill a two year commitment with the US Navy, serving as Medical Officer aboard the USS Randall. His new wife accompanied him to his stations at Charleston and Norfolk and they returned to Gaffney and to his medical practice in 1952 with an infant daughter, Catherine (Mrs. James Godfrey). Her birth was followed by two sons, Charles and Paul. Dr. Edwards is survived by these three children.

Upon his return to Gaffney he became involved in the civic affairs of Gaffney and Cherokee County and contributed to numerous charitable causes. At various times he served as president of the Gaffney Chamber of Commerce, Chief of Staff of Cherokee Memorial Hospital and later of Upstate Carolina Medical Center, board of directors of Merchant's and Planter's Bank, Chairman of the Board of Directors of C&S Bank, Board of Trustees of Limestone College and Charter Member and First Chairman of the Board of the Cherokee County Foundation.

A graduate of Furman University and an active and lifelong Baptist, he served as chairman of the board of deacons and a life deacon of Gaffney First Baptist Church. He was appointed by the SC Baptist Convention to serve a term as trustee of North Greenville College and later as a trustee of the SC Baptist Medical Center in Columbia.

In 2004 he was inducted into the Cherokee County Hall of Fame by the Chamber of Commerce. In 2006 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service by Limestone College. In 2008 he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford.

Dr. Edwards is also survived by two grandchildren, Mark Edward Godfrey and Melanie Faye Godfrey Dooley (Justin) and by three great grandsons, Preston Godfrey, Graham Dooley and Cole Dooley.

Visitation will be held in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Gaffney on Sunday, September 17, 2017 between 2 and 3:45 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow officiated by Dr. Tommy Huddleston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Faye & Preston Edwards Limestone College Scholarship Fund, c/o Limestone College, 1115 College Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340.

The family will be at the residence.