Mr. Leslie Copeland Edwards, III was born on August 18, 1957, in Spartanburg, SC. He was the only child of the late Daisy Littlejohn Edwards and Leslie Copeland Edwards, II. After a short illness, God called him home to rest on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. His family fondly called him “Eddie” because males in the family were named either Leslie or Copeland. Some friends called him “Fast or Fast Eddie”. All who knew and loved him described him as sweet, kind, witty, high-spirited, charming, and genuine.

Eddie joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church as a child. He attended Spartanburg District 7 schools and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1975.

After graduating from high school, he attended SC State University as an engineering major. Upon leaving college, he joined the Norfolk Southern family as engineer trainee. At the time of death he was employed with Magna in Spartanburg County. He thoroughly enjoyed his position and excelled quickly. He was well liked and respected by his coworkers and supervisors. Being the oldest on his shift, his younger co-workers fondly referred to him as “Unc” or “Pops”.

One of his greatest desires was to share his story with younger adults; however, it was his story to share. What we know is that Eddie gave his life to Christ promising to continue to share his wit, his laughter, and his testimony so that others might understand the joy of living a peaceful life. Eddie could light up a room with his presence in a matter of minutes. His children and grandchildren loved and adored him. His family and his extended family awaited his famous stories often discussing and determining what was fact and what was fiction. Again, his kindness had no limits.

He understood his shortcomings and had embarked upon a journey of self-awareness and self-improvement. Most importantly, he had put his hand in God’s hands.

Although he was preceded in death by his mother Daisy Littlejohn Edwards, he is survived by his father Leslie Copeland Edwards, II and his step-mother Mary; two sons, Michael Mallory (Ashley) of Spartanburg and Copeland Bryce Dunaway of Boone, NC ; a daughter, Ashley Sharmaine Rowland of Spartanburg; six grandchildren: Amariah Sanai Drummond, Carsten Emory Gilliam, Jacson Mallory, Michael Mallory, Jr., Marlow Ferguson, Jr., and Alahnea Williams of Spartanburg; two step-brothers, Faron(Tylisha) of Spartanburg, and Michael (Maranda) Jackson of Clarksville, TN; beloved aunts, Tonie Edwards Williams, Barbara E. Rogers, and Dorothy E. Williams; and first cousins/brothers Donald Pearson (Carolyn), Phillip Pearson and Ricky Rogers(Janice) ; first cousin/sister Beverly Rice and a devoted and loving significant partner, Frances Jones of Spartanburg along with a host of other family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 502 S Daniel Morgan Ave, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 2256 Cannons Campground Rd., Drayton, SC.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.