Gregory "Scott" Edwards

1989 - 2024

On January 12, 2024, Gregory "Scott" Edwards ran into the arms of Jesus. He is now spending eternity rejoicing in the presence of his Savior alongside his mom and grandparents, joining the great cloud of witnesses pointing those of us on earth to the eternal weight of glory.

Scott Edwards was born in Memphis, TN, to Wendy and Paul Edwards on September 11, 1989. He grew up as the middle brother to his older brother, Price, and his younger brother, Michael. His mother, Wendy, passed away while Scott was in high school, and eventually, Scott gained a stepmother, Jennifer Edwards, and stepsiblings, Gary Wunderlich and Madison Wunderlich. Scott graduated from Memphis University School as salutatorian in 2008 before continuing to the University of North Carolina, where he graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2012. He was brilliant. In Chapel Hill, Scott developed a deep and lasting group of friends, including his wife, Elizabeth Smith Edwards. He served as president of Chi Psi fraternity and loved living in the Lodge. Scott studied law at Vanderbilt University where he was a member of the Law Review and in the Order of the Coif. On July 6, 2013, he married Elizabeth, and the two started their lives together in Nashville, TN. In 2015, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, having surgery months before graduating from law school and moving to Atlanta. He proudly worked as an Associate at King and Spalding before moving in-house to work at Southern Company as Senior Counsel. He loved his work, and he loved his colleagues even more. Scott also enjoyed using his talents to serve on the Springboard of the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, on the Board of Trustees of Northside Church, and as Board Chair of Northside Methodist Preschool alongside Elizabeth. He loved growing in faith at Northside, being present on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, and especially cherished being part of the WWJD Sunday School Class.

It is quite easy from the outside to define Scott by his accomplishments; after all, when anyone needs to describe Scott, the first words are usually "the smartest person I know." However, accomplishments were never Scott's goal. Many people also knew him as one of the best friends they have ever had. Scott also had a great love for adventure and was always ready for an impromptu activity with close friends-such as climbing the Bell Tower at UNC the night before his organic chemistry final. Scott showed deep loyalty, whether to people or ideas. His friendships from high school, UNC, and adult life are deep, rooted relationships that often blur the lines of friends and family. Once Scott decided something was worth loving, he loved it passionately and unconditionally. This list is long, but includes, among others-UNC, Atlanta, electric bikes, poker, Settlers of Catan, the proper way to cook scrambled eggs, The Office, collecting records, Ole Miss football, George Strait and the Avett Brothers, and The Lord of the Rings, which he read annually. Scott was an avid reader, ranging from Calvin and Hobbes to East of Eden, and his book recommendations, though given sparingly, were coveted. He loved being outdoors-fishing, golfing, hunting, boating, running, biking, and skiing-and was never deterred by a long history of unsuccessful outings if they were alongside dear friends.

Scott lived almost nine years of his adult life with the perspective that comes from an ever-present knowledge of one's mortality. Scott's greatest joy in life was getting to be a father, and his proudest accomplishment was his marriage to Elizabeth. With their children, Elle and Paul, they built a home, family, and life, dwelling in Atlanta and magnifying the Lord together. He prioritized loving his family over his career and maximized the all-too-short time he had with them. He was a faithful son, brother, husband, father, and friend, always making time to enjoy life, never glorifying his own busyness. Exemplifying Romans 5:3-5, he exuded graciousness as he began to lose abilities that we often take for granted, becoming even kinder and gentler in these trials. Scott was a man of great character- unwavering in his convictions, steadfast in his love, and humble in his long-suffering.

Above all else, he lived with the knowledge expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… and the dead will be raised imperishable." Though we mourn his death and miss him dearly, we know that death does not have the victory-thanks be to God.

Scott is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Elle (4) and Paul (2.5); his father and stepmother, Paul and Jennifer Edwards; his brothers and their families-Price and Sophie Edwards and Wendy, Charlie, George, and Alice; Michael and Mary Taylor Edwards and Hollis, Will, and Addie; his in-laws, David and Betsy Smith; his sister-in-law and her family-Catherine and Ben Bondurant and Roy; his stepsiblings-Gary Wunderlich and Madison Wunderlich; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Celebration of life services will be on Thursday, January 18 at 2 pm at Northside Church, 2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Church or Northside Methodist Preschool, both at 2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.