Clyde Edwards, 87, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday April 10, 2016 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Clyde Edwards, a veteran of the Korean War, entered the securities business in 1967 operating a small chain of credit bureaus and working as a financial advisor. As a full time financial advisor, he opened his office in Ellijay in 1980, offering investments services and a broad line of insurance. Maxine, who Clyde described as, "the best thing that ever happened to me," became his wife in 1986. Clyde became a Limited Partner in United Planners Financial Services of America. Clyde and Maxine moved to Dawsonville in 2000 joining Grace Presbyterian Church where he volunteered to work with the finances of this new church development.
Clyde had always been actively involved with the American Heart Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International. After forming the Gilmer County unit of the American Heart Association, he served four years as president. In 1986, Clyde was chosen to serve on the American Heart Association’s Georgia Affiliate Board of Directors as their District Representative, then as Corporate Secretary and State Chairman. In 1995 he was the recipient of the "Time, Feeling, and Focus Award," the highest recognition for a volunteer in the American Heart Association.
In 1986, Clyde worked with Rotary clubs in the area to form a club in Ellijay. In 1989, the Rotary Club of Gilmer County was chartered with Clyde as Charter President. Clyde remains a senior Rotarian, and Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Dawson County.
Clyde also helped form the Gilmer County Reading Program and assisted the organization in securing sponsorship of GED programs. This operation was later transferred to Appalachian Technical College where Clyde served four years as District Chairman of the Adult Literacy Advisory Committee. Clyde also served on the College’s Foundation Board of Trustees.
Clyde and his wife, Maxine, a retired Presbyterian Minister and the former Ellijay Middle School principal, enjoyed trout fishing through Trout Unlimited in the North Georgia Mountains and southeastern US, hunting with his Brittany, "Dawson", as well as traveling and RV camping throughout the US and Canada. He spent as much time as possible with their children, Mrs. Nancy Gareau, Rev. Bea Miller, Greg Waldecker, and eight grandchildren located over several southeastern states.
A memorial service will be held in Bearden's funeral home at 3:00 pm Sunday, April 17. The family is requesting gifts to Grace Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
