Obituary: Marvin Wayne Edwards Sr.

Kinston-Marvin Wayne Edwards Sr., 88, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025. Marvin was born in Lenoir County to the late Coley and Blanche Harris Edwards on October 24, 1937. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Phillips Edwards; sisters, Louise Sroud, Geraldine Alcox, Alice Mitchell, and Margaret Smart; and son-in-law, Greg Smith.

Beginning work as a long-haul freight trucker at the age of twenty-five, Marvin retired after many years of service, only to return out of his love of driving. In total, he drove countless miles over a 50-year career with a perfect driving record. His love for trucks never diminished. Seeing a truck pass by or apply brakes always caught his attention, and his knowledge of tractor-trailers was profound.

Always active in his faith, Marvin was a devoted member of Trinity Free Will Baptist Church in La Grange, where he sang in the choir and faithfully served as a deacon. In later years, he worshiped at West Side Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston, continuing his love for music by singing in the choir and serving as a lay leader. His final years were spent as an active member of Liberty Baptist Church in Snow Hill, where the traditional hymns and sound preaching were exactly what he cherished most. At home, Marvin could often be found tuned in to his favorite Christian radio station, enjoying uplifting songs and powerful sermons.

Marvin believed strongly that everything should be neat, orderly, and well cared for. His home was always immaculate, with every item in its proper place and never a speck of dust left for long. He took great pride in his yard, which he maintained with the same precision, and his vehicles were always kept exceptionally clean. Time spent outdoors tending to his yard brought him genuine peace and satisfaction.

A deeply patriotic man, Marvin proudly flew an American flag in his yard and made sure it was always displayed and cared for properly. In his younger years, he held a strong desire to serve in the military, but as the only son in his family, he was not eligible. As the beloved brother of four sisters, he was especially devoted to them and affectionately gave each a nickname: Cricket, Tump, Ease, and Sister.

Devoted to his family, time spent with them was his deepest joy. He loved gathering with them or just enjoying a casual conversation.

Known for his predictable tastes, Marvin had a special fondness for Bojangles and Chick-fil-A. In recent years, he was well known as one of Chick-fil-A’s most frequent and familiar customers.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026 with Pastor James Grandinetti officiating. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service. Committal will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston.

Marvin is survived his daughter, Sandy Smith; son, Wayne Edwards Jr. and wife, Dianne; grandchildren, Hillary Smith (Aubrey) and Troy Smith (Olivia); and great-grandchildren, Caidan Smith and Miller Smith.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Marvin’s memory to Liberty Baptist Church, 705 SE 2nd St Snow Hill, NC 28580, or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court Goldsboro NC 27534. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.