Charles Monroe Edge

Obituary For Charles Monroe Edge

The late Mr. Charles Monroe Edge departed this life on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

A public viewing/visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 9:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m. at Shipp's Funeral Home, 137 Toombs St., Ashburn, Georgia, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 noon from the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia.

Charles Monroe Edge was born on July 31, 1949, in Rebecca, Georgia, to Charlie James and Lillie Mae Edge. He was the eldest of six children and began his life rooted in the values of hard work, faith, and family.

Charles’s journey began humbly on the family farm, where he worked alongside his father and siblings to support the household. His early education took place in a church school, where sacred lessons of faith and learning were closely intertwined. He later attended and graduated from high school in Eureka, Georgia, as part of a class of just 22 students. A determined scholar, Charles aspired from a young age to build a better life for himself and his loved ones.

In 1967, Charles was accepted into Morehouse College, a prestigious historically Black college known for cultivating Black male excellence. He arrived with little more than a suitcase and an unshakable will to succeed. Though he initially pursued pre-med studies, he later found his passion in Business Administration and Finance, shifting away from science to pursue a career path more aligned with his natural talents.

In 1969, Charles pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a moment that would prove pivotal both personally and socially. That same year, he met “The Love of His Life”, Rosemary Lawson at a fraternity party—an encounter that would blossom into a love story lasting more than five decades. Together, they built a life full of joy, resilience, and unwavering devotion. They raised two daughters, Toinesia Edge and Darshe Edge, and later welcomed Rosemary’s nephew Ryan Smith into their home, embracing him fully as a son. He often referred to his family as his “four heartbeats.”

After graduating from Morehouse, Charles broke barriers in the financial world, becoming one of the first Black professionals to earn a Securities Broker license from FINRA. However, his true calling revealed itself in the world of sales. At Friendly Ford in Decatur, Georgia, Charles’s charisma and talent were immediately evident. He consistently earned top honors such as “Salesman of the Month” and “Salesman of the Year,” and was awarded numerous company accolades—including an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas. Later, at George Thompson Ford, he continued to thrive, this time closer to home.

Charles’s success in automotive sales paved the way for a remarkable corporate career at Pitney Bowes, where he began in a modest territory and rose to national prominence. He was instrumental in securing multi-million-dollar contracts—including a game-changing deal with AT&T—and earned countless distinctions: “Salesman of the Month,” “ATL Branch ASR of the Year,” and membership in both the Meter Leadership Club and Pitney Bowes Leadership Club. His tenure included memorable award trips to Acapulco, Mexico, Palm Springs, Maui, and The Breakers in Florida.

Later, as a manager in the Copier Division, Charles led a top-performing team he proudly named “The Leading Edge.” His leadership inspired excellence, and his division earned the District Team Achievement Award and the Copier Marketing Volume Award. Charles turned every challenge into opportunity, and every role into legacy.

True to his entrepreneurial spirit and family roots, Charles eventually launched his own business—an endeavor sparked by a chance encounter with a tree climber on Old National Highway. That meeting became the genesis of a thriving, 30-year legacy in tree service. Starting with Edge Tree Experts and evolving into Capitol Tree Service, LLC, Charles built a reputation for trust, integrity, and mastery in thirteen Georgia counties. Known affectionately as “The Tree Man,” his business stood as a testament to his work ethic and love for the community. He also ventured into real estate, acquiring multiple properties—including the cherished family Farmhouse in Ashburn, Georgia.

Though Charles was a tireless worker, his heart belonged to his family. His love for Rosemary was the kind found in storybooks—enduring, passionate, and selfless. He adored her and often said that she was the beat of his heart. The song “When a Man Loves a Woman” reflected their bond perfectly.

As a father, Charles was hands-on and deeply involved, attending his children’s recitals, games, and milestones with pride and enthusiasm. He extended his love freely to siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, becoming a pillar of support to all. Children were drawn to his warmth and generous smile. His generosity had no bounds—he gave freely of his time, resources, and heart, regardless of one’s background or circumstances. Charles was well known in the community for his fairness, strength, and integrity. He stood tall and firm in his beliefs and was deeply respected by peers, employees, and neighbors alike.

His passions included shooting pool, playing cards, cheering for the Atlanta Falcons, and listening to the blues. But his deepest joy came from fishing. Whether donning a suit or weekend gear, if he spotted a promising fishing hole, he'd stop without hesitation. He fished everywhere from roadside creeks to deep-sea excursions in Panama City, Destin, New Orleans, and Key West. If invited, his answer was always, “Let’s go!”

Charles was a man of deep faith. Raised in a Baptist church, where his father served as a Deacon, he carried those spiritual teachings with him throughout life. Later, he became a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church, joining alongside his daughter Darshe. His life was grounded in biblical principles, and his soul now rests in God’s eternal care.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Mae Edge; his father, Charlie James Edge; his brother, Randy Ray Edge; and brother-in-law, Maurice Gray.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary Edge; daughters, Toinesia and Darshe Edge; nephew and beloved son in spirit, Ryan Smith (Millette); grandchildren, Mattison Dixon, Braylen Smith, Bryson Smith, and Brecken Smith; sisters, Senesta Collier, Betty Dotson, Elizabeth Gray, and Lenora Edge; and brother-in-law, Michael Lane (Kathy).

Charles Monroe Edge’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and unconditional love. He lives in the hearts of those he inspired, mentored, and loved so deeply.