Carlton Slater Edwards, Jr., held the hand of God and entered eternal rest Sunday, November 11, 2012. Carlton was born August 14, 1932 in Fluvanna County, VA, the only son of Carlton S. Edwards and Beatrice Thornton Edwards.

At an early age Carlton became a Christian and joined Galilee Baptist Church and remained active even after moving to Roanoke, VA in 1958. As one of the great-grandsons of William Edwards, the founder of Galilee Baptist Church, Carlton directed and oversaw the building expansion of Galilee Baptist Church in the 1990's. Carlton and his family also joined St. James Episcopal in 1958.

He was educated in the Fluvanna County Schools and upon graduation from high school, attended St. Paul's College. Prior to graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1953 to 1955 in both Kentucky and Germany. Returning to school, Carlton graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education.

In 1958, he moved to Roanoke, VA to begin teaching auto mechanics in Roanoke City Public Schools, a distinguished career that lasted for over thirty-five years. In 1958, Carlton married Mildred Truesdale, where they were blessed with three children during their thirty-six year marriage. In 1995, Carlton married Mary Bragg until her death July 2012.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, one son, Bart Edwards, Fincastle, VA; two daughters, Veronica (Ervin) Covington, Upper Marlboro, MD and Carleen Edwards, Fincastle, VA; two grandchildren, Kendyl and Chanler Covington; one brother-in-law, Robert Gunnell; a nephew, Robert Gunnell, Jr.; two step-daughters, Chanda O'Loughlin and Sonya Bragg-Muhammad; three step-grandchildren, AiJalon & Anjae O'Loughlin and Colby Muhammad and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Noon Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Galilee Baptist Church, 3598 Three Notch Road, Ferncliff, VA 23053 with Rev. Otis R. Spellman officiating. Interment will follow in the Edwards Family Cemetery.