Donald "Don" Edwards

Donald Ornette Edwards went to his heavenly reward on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He is hugging his daughter, Traci Beth and other loved ones who went before him.

Donald was a faithful servant of The Lord. He put God first, then family, then work, then UT football. He loved UT - his ring tone was “Rocky Top.” He was also the quarterback at UT Martin. Don loved flying. He earned several pilot certification levels and wanted to attend the Air Force Academy. He passed everything and expected to pass his physical in Smyrna, but God had other plans. Don’s overbite caused him to fail physical admission standards, so getting his Doctorate in pharmacy became his goal. He attended pharmacy school at University of Tennessee at Memphis.

Upon graduation from university- He was assigned to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for three years in the US Army. He served during Vietnam War teaching Green Berets triage procedures - his students served in helicopters and on the battlefield. He was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Captain. Don then worked for HCA 32 years. During that period of his life - he won the Tennessee State Handball Tournament three times.

Don and Cindy enjoyed traveling the world together and making many memories that will last forever. While doing so they experienced different cultures and most importantly playing his favorite pastime golf. One of his biggest golfing achievements was scoring two holes in one.

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Cynthia Droll Edwards; son, Christopher Donald Edwards (Dr. Leigh Black Edwards); granddaughter, Emerson Malynn Edwards; grandson, Trace Christopher Edwards; brother, Charles Michael Edwards (Paula Harris Edwards); and many nieces , nephews, and friends.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, July 31, 2026 from 9:00-11:00 AM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. Graveside service will be at Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN at 4:00 PM with Chris Edwards, Trace Edwards, Michael Edwards, Jerry Escue, Jerry Herndon, Tim Haddock, and Jim Davis serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.