Phil Strowd Edwards

Posted

On October 26th, 2022, Phil Strowd Edwards, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Little River, S.C., after several months of declining health. He is survived by his wife of seven years, Donna O’Brien-Edwards; his son, Charles Edwards and daughter-in-law Dianne Welch Edwards of Siler City, N.C.; his daughter, Cam Austin of Siler City; his granddaughter, Claire Austin of Asheville, N.C.; two step-sons, Joe Lee and Kyle O’Brien of Maine; three step-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Tylar Lee of Maine, and Kane O’Brien of Maine; and son-in-law Blair Peil.

He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Susan “Becky” Rhodes Edwards; his parents, Lawton and Irene Strowd Edwards; his sister, Betty Gene Edwards; his brother Glen Edwards; and his daughter, Gay Edwards Peil.

Phil was born and raised in Siler City, N.C., and graduated from Siler City High School in 1956. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Relations in 1961, and a JD in Law in 1964. He was a member of the Order of the Old Well and a lifetime member of the UNC Alumni Association. While in college and law school, he served in the Army National Guard. After graduating from law school, he returned to Siler City to practice law. He practiced law for over 40 years before retiring to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, and then later, to Little River. He was active in numerous community service organizations in Siler City, including the Jaycees, the Loyal Order of the Moose, the Siler City Rotary Club, and the Chatham County Democratic Party.

Phil was happiest when working in his garden. He also enjoyed boating, playing golf, and bicycling. When he no longer was able to participate in those activities he enjoyed reading, watching sports, working on jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a “die-hard Tar Heel” and enjoyed attending the games and watching his beloved Tar Heels play on television when he was no longer able to attend in person.

Due to the current risk of Covid and the flu, a funeral will not be held at this time, as the family does not want to put family or friends at risk. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and the family will notify everyone when those arrangements are made.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able, to make a donation to their local animal rescue or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.