Madison Franklin "Frank" Edwards

Rocky Mount – Madison Franklin “Frank” Edwards, age 90, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026.  Born in Nash County, NC on March 16, 1935, he was the son of the late Willie Littleton Edwards and Stella Joyner Edwards.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bradley Edwards, Wilbur Edwards, Harold Edwards, and Fred Edwards; and his sister, Zelma Edwards Powell.

After graduating from Cooper’s School in Nash County, Frank served in the U.S. Army in Korea, with Carol as his pen pal. Following his discharge, he studied printing at Chowan College. He and Carol married and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where Frank worked for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. He later returned to Rocky Mount, becoming first a partial, then full owner of Walker-Ross Printing Company.  Through Walker-Ross Printing, Frank built a respected business and extended his leadership through active involvement with the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, the Printing Industry of the Carolinas, and Chowan College. He was known for his integrity, generosity, and genuine care for his employees. He also took on numerous civic projects to help make Rocky Mount a better place to live, including the revitalization of City Lake.

Frank found joy fishing along the North Carolina coast in his boat, playing golf, cheering for the Wolfpack in his red blazer, snowmobiling in Wisconsin, and traveling domestically and internationally with Carol, Gina, and friends. In retirement, he traveled to Honduras on mission trips, and he and Carol drove to Alaska twice, treasuring the people and places they encountered. He was always proud to have Carol by his side.

A long-time, devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, Frank lived a life firmly rooted in faith. Even while facing Parkinson’s disease, he remained peaceful and resilient.  A loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Frank will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Frank is survived by his wife, Carol Davis Edwards; his daughter, Gina Edwards and her fiancé, Tim Saltuklaroglu; his sister, Judith Edwards Nicholson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, 200 S Church St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Bill Grisham officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service at First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s name to either First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, 200 S Church St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.