Franklin Sawyer Edwards

AHOSKIE, NC - Franklin Sawyer Edwards, age 65, affectionately known as "Sawmill" to his colleagues, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Franklin was born on April 28, 1960 in Gates County, North Carolina to parents Delma Whyatt Edwards and Mary Davis Edwards. He lived his life growing up in Ahoskie, North Carolina.
Franklin reveled in the simple joys of life, finding serenity and satisfaction in the outdoors. His love for yard work was matched only by his affection for a cold beer enjoyed in the tranquil embrace of nature. Indoors, he was often immersed in the rich stories of the past, eagerly delving into documentaries on the History Channel. A master of his trade, he wore the title of welder with pride and was fondly nicknamed "Sawmill" by those he worked alongside.
Preceded in death by his father, Delma Whyatt Edwards, Franklin leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory forever. He is survived by his devoted wife, Anna Dare Cooke, and his loving mother, Mary Davis Edwards. Also surviving are his sisters, Cindy Phaby and her husband Chris of Oriental, NC, and Debbie Edwards of Greenville, NC, his brother Danny Edwards and wife Jessica of Seaboard, NC. The family circle extends to include his brother-in-law, David Cooke, Jr. of Ahoskie, mother-in-law, Virginia Dare Cooke of Ahoskie, nephews Christian Phaby, Trevor Edwards, and Colby Edwards, as well as nieces, Kamryn Phaby and Mattie Edwards.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC. A graveside service will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev Dr. Jeff Crabtree.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be shared at www.garrettsykesfs.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, (252) 332-3122. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Franklin, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.