James R. ‘Rhuel’ Edwards

Funeral services for James R. ‘Rhuel’ Edwards, age 80 of Clarkesville will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Hillside Memorial Chapel.  Rev. Walter Singletary, Rev. Connie Berry, and Cam Parker will officiate with interment to follow the service in Stonepile Baptist Church Cemetery.
 
Mr. Edwards passed away April 15, 2018 at his residence.
 
Born Jackson County, Georgia, Mr. Edwards was the son of the late James Howard and Jimmie Ruth Watkins Edwards.  He went to Morgan County High School where he played football. His senior year of high school transferred to Camden Military Academy in South Carolina.  After Camden Academy, Mr. Edwards attended East Carolina College where he played football for one year then transferred to the University of Georgia and played under Coach Wally Butts.  After college he played semi-pro baseball.  Mr. Edwards enjoyed a long and successful career at Georgia Power Company where he retired as safety and health advisor.  He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Lineman Development Program at North Georgia Technical College.  Mr. Edwards hobbies included hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was a member and deacon of Stonepile Baptist Church.  
 
Survivors include his wife Patricia Steinmeyer Edwards of Clarkesville, daughter and son in law Kelly Elizabeth and Jerry Taylor of Demorest, sons and daughters in law Richard Eric and Linda Edwards of Clarkesville and Samuel Brent and Kerry Edwards of Clarkesville, brother and sister in law Ralph Donald and Lynda Edwards of Winder, sister Alice Nedra Jackson of Social Circle, grandchildren Megan Edwards Brown (Reggie), Trevor Eric Edwards (Jennifer), Mallory Erin Edwards, Sara McCall Coleman, great grandchildren, Miles, Charlotte & Norah Jane Brown and Walker Edwards; step grandchildren, Clint Radney, Tracy Long and several other step grandchildren, as well as a number of step great grandchildren.
 
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to: Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or by visiting samaritanspurse.org.
 
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
 
An online guest registry is available at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256