LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Bobby Joe Edwards, 88, businessman and past president of the Lancaster County Chapter of the Jaycees, renowned for work ethic, service to country, and dedication to family, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ January 4, 2023.

Born December 1, 1934, in Lancaster, South Carolina to Claude Casey Edwards and Lillian Carter Edwards, Mr. Edwards was blessed with a full life that included many experiences and opportunities. In 1952 at age 18, he left high school to join the Navy where he was stationed in the South Pacific during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he finished his education and graduated from Lancaster High School. Upon graduation, he operated a press at The Lancaster News for several years before becoming one of the first managers working to establish the new Lehigh Structural Steele Company in Lancaster. Later, he pursued various business ventures. "Mr. Bob," as the patrons of his Market Street Party Shop affectionately called him, always had a smile for them and enjoyed being a part of the community.

Mr. Edwards loved his family and could be seen live streaming his great granddaughters' pageants or dance competitions. "Granddaddy Bob" also used his smartphone to chat with everyone he knew.

His parents; wife of fifty-four years, Sara Walters Edwards; and sister Carolyn Edwards Melvin preceded him in death. He is survived by sister Peggy Edwards Pilgrim and brother Eugene Franklin Edwards; sons Michael Eugene Edwards (Angela) and Mark Warren Edwards; daughter Myra Edwards Reeves; and grandchildren Laura Edwards Patterson (Derek), Sara Louise Reeves, Erin Edwards Waller (Jackson), Taylor Ashley Edwards, William Michael Edwards, Elizabeth Brooke Edwards; and great granddaughters Lily Grace Patterson, Saylor Brooke Patterson, Elliot Quinn Patterson, and Gracelyn Sky Carlson.

The Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, January 7, 2023, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service, at Burgess Funeral Home.