LAWRENCE A. EDWARDS


SALISBURY - Lawrence Allen Edwards, 81, died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 at North Carolina State Veterans Nursing Home. Funeral services were conducted Monday, Oct. 22, in the Summersett Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Allen officiating. Burial followed in the U.S. National Cemetery, Statesville Boulevard location, with military honors conducted by the Rowan County Military Honor Guard.

Born in Franklin County, he was the youngest of 11 children of the late Thomas William Edwards and Louvenia Adcock Edwards. He was a graduate of Franklinton High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He founded the Cumberland Sampson Telephone Membership Corporation in Clinton, which later became Star Telephone Company. Mr. Edwards was self-employed until he retired.

Surviving: his wife, Ruth Moore Edwards; daughter, Betty Lou Echerd (Andy) of Mt. Ulla; son, Larry Edwards (Frances) of Salisbury; sister, Dorothy E. Payne of Franklinton; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to Abundant Living, Lutheran Services Adult Day Care, 201 W. Harrison St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Arrangements by Summersett Funeral Home of Salisbury.