SFC Orville Franklin Edwards, Sr. US Army (Ret.), 83, of Columbia, died Friday, December 22, 2017. Born February 9, 1934 in Sarasota, FL, he was a son of the late William Lee Edwards, Sr., and Grace Ola Walden Edwards. He served tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. A member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, SFC Edwards served several terms as President of the St. Andrews Chapter of Lions Club International and was a recipient of the Lions Melvin Jones Award for Community Service
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Survivors include his son, Julius P. Edwards (Connie); daughter, Petra F. Santangelo (Michael); daughter-in-law, Traci V. Edwards; sister, Marjorie P. Zimmerman; grandchildren, Orville F. Edwards, III, Christina L. Edwards, Theresa L. Edwards, Bianca Rose Edwards, Katherina Durco, Michael A. Santangelo, and Emily N. Becknell; as well as eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemarie P. Edwards; and son, Orville F. Edwards, Jr.

A private graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Greater Irmo Lions Club, C/O Martha Hartz, 101 Linsbury Circle, Columbia, SC 29210. Please designate for eye glasses.