Ernest Douglas Edwards

MONROE – On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Mr. Ernest Douglas Edwards, 79, loving husband, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully with his devoted wife at his bedside at Novant Health Matthews.

Services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025, by the graveside in Anson Memorial Park with Mr. Ken Caulder officiating with military honors.

The family will greet friends following the service at a reception at Leavitt Funeral Home.

Doug was born July 23, 1945, in Loudon County, TN, and was a son of the late Ernest Edwards and the late Florence Edna Wrinn Edwards. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War. While in the military, he worked with the military police and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Following military service, Doug worked in the Marshall Islands as a security officer.

Upon his return to the United States, he was employed with Tennessee Mental Health Facilities in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

He and his wife were owners of Supportive Educational Services, Inc., which served individuals with learning differences in the Charlotte area for 15 years.

He loved all things, nature, and the outdoors, especially feeding and watching the birds. He was an interesting man and was well suited for storytelling. A kind, loving, and gentle man, he was the love of his wife Kay’s life.

Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife of 25 years, Kay Hedrick Edwards; his sisters, Betty Poteat of Charlotte and Shirley Ulrich (Bob) of Kennesaw, GA; his nieces and nephews, Paula Gordon and Tracey Poteat both of Charlotte, Gary Ulrich of Henderson, NV, Scott Ulrich of Atlanta, GA, Brian Cornett of Dallas, GA and Kevin Ulrich (Tina) of Atlanta GA and their families.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post 2423, 100 VFW Ln., Indian Trail, NC 28079.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com