Dr. Earl Dee Edwards

Dr. Earl D. Edwards April 13, 1933 – September 13, 2025
Dr. Earl D. Edwards, 92, a devoted preacher, missionary, scholar, and educator whose life exemplified unwavering faith and service to the Lord, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after a heartfelt day of door-knocking in his cherished community-a fitting close to a lifetime of sharing God's love with all he encountered. Truly beloved by family, friends, and countless souls touched by his ministry, Earl's warmth and dedication will be forever remembered.
Born on April 13, 1933, in Moundville, Missouri, to farming parents, Earl grew up working on the family farm until the age of 18, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance amid the rolling fields of rural Missouri. He spent his formative years in Springfield, Missouri, where his passion for ministry began to take root. At just 19, he started preaching by appointment in 1952, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to spreading the Gospel. He preached the gospel from the pulpit 7629 times, meticulously tracking each and every one in his notebook, from June 1st, 1952 up until his last Sunday on this earth, September 9th, 2025. This does not include his years teaching Bible class or teaching at FHU.
Earl pursued his education with diligence and distinction. He attended what is now Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts for two years before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb University in 1956. During his college years in Nashville, he honed his communication skills as a young radio jockey known affectionately as "Earl the Squirrel," a nickname that reflected his lively spirit and early passion for connecting with others. He later completed a Master of Theology at Harding University Graduate School in Memphis and a Doctor of Missiology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1985. In 1952, Earl married the love of his early life, Gwendolyn Gertrude Hall, with whom he shared 34 years of devoted partnership until her passing from cancer in 1986. Together, they welcomed two children: son Terry Lynn Edwards and daughter Karen Denise Edwards. In 1988, Earl found companionship and joy once more when he married Lora Lucille Young Majors, a talented singer and passionate music lover, on January 2. Lora preceded him in death on May 30, 2021, after 33 years of marriage.
Earl's career was a tapestry of global ministry and academic excellence. From 1956 to 1960, he served as preacher for the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Wichita, Kansas. In 1960, he and Gwendolyn answered God's call to missions, embarking on a 16-year journey in Italy. There, Earl directed the ScuolaBiblica di Firenze (Florence Bible School) for 12 years, traveling the country to hold meetings and nurture churches. Upon returning to the United States in 1976, he taught as a visiting professor of missions at Harding University for one year, then served as a local evangelist and elder in Wynne, Arkansas.
In 1982, Earl joined Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) in Henderson, Tennessee, where he taught in the Bible Department for 26 years until his retirement in 2008. As the founding director of the Graduate Program in Bible and the first Dean of the School of Biblical Studies, he developed innovative degree programs, including the Master of Divinity, which was later ranked among the top 20 best-value theological programs in the United States. Even in retirement, he continued as an adjunct faculty member, preaching in up to 20 meetings, seminars, and lectureships annually across the U.S. and abroad-in countries including Italy, Canada, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Hungary, Slovakia, New Zealand, Russia, Nigeria, South Korea, and Albania. He also ministered through radio and television broadcasts, public debates, and prolific writing, contributing articles to publications like The Spiritual Sword and Gospel Advocate, as well as chapters in lectureship books.
Earl's impact at FHU was profound; he was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1986, received the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1990, and was bestowed the Distinguished Professor Award by FHU's Board of Trustees in 1999. In 2023, the university unveiled a portrait in his honor during a surprise ceremony, celebrating his enduring legacy. For nearly three decades, he served as preacher and elder at the Finger Church of Christ in Henderson, touching countless lives with his wisdom and compassion. In 2006, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed a joint resolution commending him for over 50 years of meritorious service in Christian ministry around the globe.
Earl is survived by his son, Terry Lynn Edwards, and wife Kim of Krum, Texas, where Terry has retired from full-time teaching; his daughter, Karen Denise Drew, and husband Daniel of Houston, Texas; his stepsons, James Majors, Jr., of Rogers, Arkansas, and Daniel Majors of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, including Terry and Kim's six children and Karen and Daniel's two sons; two siblings, Mary and Martha; numerous step-grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Gwendolyn and Lora; Lora's son, Joel Majors; his parents, Darsie and Jesse, and five of his seven siblings; Clara, Helen, Homer, John, and Glenn.
A man of deep faith, Earl's life was a testament to 2 Timothy 4:7-"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His legacy endures through the students he mentored, the churches he strengthened, the books he authored, and the family he cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Henderson Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee with a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Earl Edwards Endowed Chair for the Graduate School of Theology at Freed-Hardeman University or the Finger Church of Christ missions fund.
Arrangements are under the care of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Henderson, TN.