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Jon Edwards Obituary
Jon Rennen Edwards
April 19, 1972 - April 10, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina - Jon Rennen Edwards, a respected communications professional whose career in NASCAR spanned more than three decades, passed away April 10, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, following complications from a diabetes-related illness. He was 52.
Born April 19, 1972, in Plantation, Florida, Jon was raised in several places across the Southeast, including Montgomery, Alabama, where he became the state's top-ranked BMX racer at just 11 years old and later competed in the sport's world championships. A natural athlete, he played multiple sports and ran cross country before graduating from Northern High School in Durham, North Carolina. He later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was an ardent fan of the Tar Heels.
Jon's career in auto racing began in the early 1990s as a public relations and marketing assistant at North Carolina Motor Speedway. He joined sports marketing agency Performance PR Plus in 1994, supporting drivers and sponsors before ultimately becoming the longtime public relations representative for four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Jon officially joined Jeff Gordon Inc. in 2011 and later became a key part of Hendrick Motorsports, where he most recently served as director of racing communications and worked closely with another champion driver, Kyle Larson.
Widely respected by colleagues and media members alike, Jon was known for his tenacity, dry sense of humor and ability to build lasting relationships. His excellence in the profession was recognized with multiple honors, including NASCAR's Public Relations Representative of the Year Award, the 2015 Ken Patterson Helping Others Award from the National Motorsports Press Association and the 2014 Jim Chapman Award for careerlong excellence in motor sports public relations.
Never seeking recognition, Jon routinely helped others without fanfare and especially had a soft spot for kids, whether it was a young fan seeking an autograph or a child facing a terminal illness. Always willing to share his perspective and knowledge, he served as a sounding board for aspiring professionals trying to find their footing in the industry. His extended families at Hendrick Motorsports and throughout the NASCAR community were incredibly important to him.
Jon had an adventurous soul and a deep love for traveling the world. He was never without his morning coffee, was a connoisseur of craft beer and wielded a notorious quick
wit. He had an inside joke or nickname for nearly everyone he knew - his unique way of making people part of his circle. A passionate sports fan, he followed Formula 1 and Arsenal with fervor, held season tickets to Charlotte FC and the Charlotte Hornets, and participated in every fantasy league known to man.
To his loving family, Jon will be remembered as a wonderful son and brother and a proud and devoted uncle. He is survived by his parents, Randy and Judy Edwards of Concord, North Carolina; brother Jay Edwards, sister-in-law Roxanne and nephew Jayden of Cary, North Carolina; and his beloved dog, Latta. He was raised in the Episcopal church and carried its values of compassion and service with him always.
A celebration of Jon's life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hendrick Motorsports Team Center, located at 4433 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262.
It will be followed by a reception for family, friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jon's memory to the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation (jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org) or the American Diabetes
Association (diabetes.org).
Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Edwards family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com
April 19, 1972 - April 10, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina - Jon Rennen Edwards, a respected communications professional whose career in NASCAR spanned more than three decades, passed away April 10, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, following complications from a diabetes-related illness. He was 52.
Born April 19, 1972, in Plantation, Florida, Jon was raised in several places across the Southeast, including Montgomery, Alabama, where he became the state's top-ranked BMX racer at just 11 years old and later competed in the sport's world championships. A natural athlete, he played multiple sports and ran cross country before graduating from Northern High School in Durham, North Carolina. He later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was an ardent fan of the Tar Heels.
Jon's career in auto racing began in the early 1990s as a public relations and marketing assistant at North Carolina Motor Speedway. He joined sports marketing agency Performance PR Plus in 1994, supporting drivers and sponsors before ultimately becoming the longtime public relations representative for four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Jon officially joined Jeff Gordon Inc. in 2011 and later became a key part of Hendrick Motorsports, where he most recently served as director of racing communications and worked closely with another champion driver, Kyle Larson.
Widely respected by colleagues and media members alike, Jon was known for his tenacity, dry sense of humor and ability to build lasting relationships. His excellence in the profession was recognized with multiple honors, including NASCAR's Public Relations Representative of the Year Award, the 2015 Ken Patterson Helping Others Award from the National Motorsports Press Association and the 2014 Jim Chapman Award for careerlong excellence in motor sports public relations.
Never seeking recognition, Jon routinely helped others without fanfare and especially had a soft spot for kids, whether it was a young fan seeking an autograph or a child facing a terminal illness. Always willing to share his perspective and knowledge, he served as a sounding board for aspiring professionals trying to find their footing in the industry. His extended families at Hendrick Motorsports and throughout the NASCAR community were incredibly important to him.
Jon had an adventurous soul and a deep love for traveling the world. He was never without his morning coffee, was a connoisseur of craft beer and wielded a notorious quick
wit. He had an inside joke or nickname for nearly everyone he knew - his unique way of making people part of his circle. A passionate sports fan, he followed Formula 1 and Arsenal with fervor, held season tickets to Charlotte FC and the Charlotte Hornets, and participated in every fantasy league known to man.
To his loving family, Jon will be remembered as a wonderful son and brother and a proud and devoted uncle. He is survived by his parents, Randy and Judy Edwards of Concord, North Carolina; brother Jay Edwards, sister-in-law Roxanne and nephew Jayden of Cary, North Carolina; and his beloved dog, Latta. He was raised in the Episcopal church and carried its values of compassion and service with him always.
A celebration of Jon's life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hendrick Motorsports Team Center, located at 4433 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262.
It will be followed by a reception for family, friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jon's memory to the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation (jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org) or the American Diabetes
Association (diabetes.org).
Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Edwards family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Charlotte Observer from Apr. 15 to Apr. 20, 2025.
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