Charles Robert Edwards

Charles Robert Edwards, 91, of Schuyler, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Center for Acute Hospice Care, surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 18, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, Charles was the son of the late Basil Eugene Edwards and Frances Perry Edwards. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Edwards, and sister, Betty Edwards Davis. He is survived by six nieces and nephews. 

In December 1956, Charles married Gloria Joan Hicks in Memphis, Tennessee; after 19 years, their marriage ended in divorce. Charles served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1960. Following his service, he returned to the University of Tennessee, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was inducted into the honorary engineering fraternities Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kapa Nu. 

Charles went on to have a distinguished career as an electrical and systems engineer in the space division of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. His work included developing groundbreaking pre-GPS navigation systems for the U.S. Coast Guard and serving as a satellite payload engineer, with one of his satellites remaining in orbit today.

Charles shared his love for sailing with his family aboard his boat, Meanderas, and enjoyed sailboat racing on the Chesapeake Bay with friends. He also had a profound passion for architecture and design, designing and building multiple, unique, beautiful homes and bridges, all built to last, several of which his family continue to enjoy.

On January 21, 1978, Charles married the love of his life, Mary Roy Dawson Edwards, in Columbia, MD. In 1981, Charles and Mary Roy relocated to Schuyler, Virginia, becoming members of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Esmont. Here he once again meticulously designed and together with Mary Roy, built their home, Preference Farm. Preference Farm was featured in Better Homes and Gardens, and for more than four decades, they enjoyed life together surrounded by family and friends.

In 1985 Charles joined the faculty at the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture as an Associate Professor of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and established the school’s first CAD lab. He was also a long-time volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, wrote and self-published two books for family about his life and work. He used CAD as an aide to research, make computer models, animations and slide shows for multiple historic homes, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

Charles leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Roy Dawson Edwards; their children, Frank David Edwards and Cheryl Ann Hedgman, Helene Victoria Hedian, Ralph Victor Hedian III, and Dr. Katherine Adelicia Hedian, D.O.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, humor, attention to detail, and work ethic.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home, 650 Valley St., Scottsville, Virginia 24590. A funeral service will be held from 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2620 Mt. Zion Church Rd., Esmont, Virginia 22937 with Pastor Laura Stratton officiating. Interment will follow immediately in the church cemetery.

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