Fred Edwards, of Summerville, a former assistant football coach at Summerville High School and Berkeley High School, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on Monday, March 2nd,with his family by his side.
Coach Edwards was born on November 19, 1951, in Darlington, SC. He was the son of the late Sam and Emmie Floyd. He moved to Columbia as a young boy and graduated from Columbia High School in 1970. He went on to attend and graduate from Gardner-Webb College in 1975 with a BS in Physical Education and Health. He later graduated from The Citadel in 1986 with a Master of Arts: Education.
His time at Gardner-Webb was an influential time that changed the trajectory of his life, which led him to chase the dream of becoming a teacher and coach. He began his teaching career at Alston Middle School and Rollings before beginning a long tenure at Summerville High School (Gregg Campus). He taught Driver’s Education for 34 years at Summerville High School. Coach Edwards began his coaching career at SHS as an assistant for the JV Football Team for two years before becoming the Head JV Football Coach in 1978. He was promoted to the SHS Varsity Football Staff in 1980 to coach the defensive backs for 29 years and then the wide receivers for 6 years. In addition to his time with the football team, he served as the Head JV Basketball Coach from 1977 -1981, and an assistant for the SHS Varsity Basketball Team in 1977- 1978, and1991-1997. He was selected as the SHS Golf coach in 1996 and served until 2004.Coach Edwards was selected as an assistant coach for the North/South All-Star Golf Team in 2004, an assistant coach in the 2005 North/South Football game, and was named as an assistant coach in the 2007 Shrine Bowl Football Game. Coach Edwards was inducted into the Dorchester District Two Hall of Fame in 2005 and was honored by the South Carolina Coaches Association for 40 years of service in August 2015. He was a member of the Summerville coaching staff for 39 years. During his Summerville coaching career, he coached in 8 state championships, winning 5 of them, and was apart of over 500 games under Head Coach John McKissick. After retiring from SHS, he worked for the Berkeley High School football program from 2016 – 2020, where he was an assistant coach with Head Coach Randy Robinson. He was also a member of the South Carolina High School Coaches Association and the South Carolina High School League. He had a passion for coaching and teaching. He not only loved his own boys, but he loved every player and student he ever coached or taught.
Coach Edwards was a longtime member of Summerville Baptist Church. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of Summerville Baptist for 50years, participating in Sunday School classes, teaching preschool Sunday School classes when his sons were younger, and most recently serving on the Decorating Committee and Welcoming Committee with his wife, Gin-g. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved traveling with his boys when they were young, and later in life he enjoyed traveling with his son, Blake, and daughter–in-law Emily. He enjoyed spending time with his son Paul, daughter-in-law Stacy, and their children, who are his pride and joy. In addition to his family, he enjoyed watching his former players play in collegiate and pro games.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Gin-g (Hedrick) Edwards, and sons, Blake (Emily) of Clemson, SC, and Paul (Stacy) of Greer, SC; grandchildren, Emerson, Ellie, Ruthie, and JP, all of Greer, SC. He is survived by sisters Shirley Cassidy of Irmo and Jean Welch of Lexington; brother Sammy Floyd (Connie) of Pelion. He was preceded in death by five siblings. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by extended family in the Hedrick and Floyd families, which he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summerville Baptist Church (Bless the Rest Program) at 417 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483, or to the Lowcountry Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Information can be found at lowcountryfca.org. A Celebration of Life for Coach Edwards will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 7th, at Summerville Baptist Church. The service will be followed by a visitation with the family in the church worship center.
All who knew and loved Coach Edwards are welcome to join us in honoring his life, remembering his impact, and sharing cherished memories.