Carroll Edmonds Obituary

During the quiet and peaceful evening hours of Sunday, May 4, 2025, Carroll Ray Edmonds passed away at his home with his loving family surrounding him and witnessing his strong faith as he entered into the glorious gates of heaven.
Ray was born on May 6, 1939, at his family home in Weaverville, North Carolina, the beloved son of the late Reverend Arthur Edmonds and the late Clara Belle Whitaker Edmonds. From the very beginning, his life was rooted in Christian faith and love, and this remained with Ray all throughout the 85 years of his lifetime.
Residing in the serene mountains of Leicester, North Carolina, Ray was a devoted husband, a wonderful daddy, and a special papaw. He was also an honored veteran and, most importantly, a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior. At the age of 19, Ray gave his heart to Jesus Christ, and he has been an example and inspiration to everyone throughout his life.
Ray honorably served his country in the United States Army and also the Army Reserves from 1963 to 1976. Stationed in Germany, he played a vital role in the radio signal unit during his military career. He took great pride in defending his nation, an example of his sense of duty and patriotism. Ray was a dedicated employee of Square D Corporation in Asheville and retired with many loyal years of service.
The love Ray held in his heart for his family was immeasurable. Ray passed away on the birthday of his cherished wife, Wilma, an extraordinary testament to the depth of their blessed relationship. They are now reunited in heaven and together forever and ever. Ray and Wilma built a wonderful marriage of 57 years together. Their special bond was a life of devotion to each other and always being together side by side. Their lives were blessed with three beautiful daughters, who have faithfully stood by their parents and who each hold happy and cherished memories that they will hold onto forever.
A soft-spoken and humble man, Ray carried a tender heart, never uttering a harsh word toward anyone. His warmth and kindness made him loved by all who crossed his path. Ray found joy in life's simple pleasures- traveling to new places, enjoying different restaurants with friends, and especially spending time with his loved ones, making special precious memories.
A dedicated and faithful member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Leicester, Ray's life was a testament to Christian faith. His Lord, his church, and his family were his life. His grandchildren beautifully describe their Papaw with words that truly paint a picture of Ray's heart and soul. "A true Christian, God fearing, loving, kind-hearted, never met a stranger, always showed love and compassion to everyone, and an example for us to follow." What more wonderful words could be spoken of a man.
On this day, we rejoice and give thanks for the life of Carroll Ray Edmonds. His caring and kind spirit will be part of us forever. Let us each remember Ray for the wonderful man he was. We shall remember his beautiful and heartfelt prayers, and always making certain that everyone else was cared for before himself.
In Ray's memory, please perform an act of kindness for someone or witness a word of Christian faith to a new friend. Ray would be pleased.
The Edmonds family wishes to extend a special word of thanks to the special caregivers for their kindness and care given to Ray.
In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Wilma Gillespie Edmonds, who passed away in 2023; his sisters, Mary Edmonds Edwards and Rebecca Edmonds, and his brothers, JB Edmonds, Dallas Edmonds, and Jimmy Edmonds.
He is survived by his daughters, Donna Justice, Deborah Wilson (Jeremy) and Teresa Sluder (Jonathan); his grandchildren, Weston Justice (Makayla), Michael Justice and Russell Sluder (Josie); great-grandchildren, Hazel Kate, Walter Justice, and precious baby Sluder due in July; also many special nieces and nephews that were dear to his heart.
A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Edmonds will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, 259 Bald Creek Road, Leicester, NC 28748. Mr. Edmonds will lie in state at the church 30 minutes prior to the funeral service. Pastor Stanley Surrett, Pastor DeWayne Brown, Pastor Jonathan Sluder, Pastor Bill Brown, and Pastor Paul Sluder will be officiating at the services.. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday evening at Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Burial with military honors will be held at the church cemetery. Honored to be serving as pallbearers are Randy Edmonds, Bucky Edmonds, Weston Justice, Michael Justice, Russell Sluder, Nathan Brown, and Kevin Worley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in c/o Brenda Justice, 7 Mayrand Road, Leicester, NC 28748.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Edmonds family.