Jerry Ray Edwards passed away at 93 on Sep. 18th, 2026 at The Pavilions in Traverse City, Michigan, where he had resided for the past four months. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and accomplished Euchre player.

Jerry was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 72 years, Peggy Delores Crabb Edwards, who passed away in Traverse City in 2023. Jerry and Peggy were high school sweethearts at Crane High School in Crane, Missouri, where Peggy was voted Prettiest Girl and Jerry was a captain and standout player for the Crane Pirates basketball team. Together, they raised two children: Paula Raeanne Korndorfer of Traverse City, Michigan, and JonMarc Edwards (Becky Hartman) of Los Angeles, California.

Jerry is survived by four grandchildren: Tessa Korndorfer Ozdamar (Barish) of New York City; Erika Korndorfer (Kyle Kobylski) of Traverse City; Elijah Edwards of Brooklyn, New York; and Gabrielle Edwards of Brooklyn, New York. He was also proud to be a great-grandfather to Benjamin and Raphael Ozdamar of New York City. Jerry also leaves behind his beloved dog and companion, Jesse, whom he received on his birthday in 2015.

Jerry was born and raised in Crane, Missouri, the son of Alvin and “Bill” Edwards. He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Edwards) Walker.

Jerry married Peggy at the age of eighteen and was drafted in the United States Army as a young husband. He was stationed in Panama during the Korean War in the early 1950s. After his service, Jerry began a long career with the S.S. Kresge Company, where he was recruited for a managerial position. He took pride in his work at every level and retired at age 63 after more than 40 years with the company.

Following retirement, Jerry and Peggy returned for a time to their hometown of Crane, where they reconnected with family and old friends. Their fondness for Michigan eventually drew them back north, and in 2005 they moved to Traverse City to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. They enjoyed a retirement filled with family, travel, card games, and time together.

Jerry will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and gift for storytelling. He enjoyed walking Jesse through the neighborhood and visiting with people along the way. He was known for his biscuits and peach pie, which he continued to make whenever his grandchildren came to visit. Jerry’s family will cherish the many memories he created, especially during holidays, shared stories, card games, and ordinary moments filled with laughter and reassurance. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to: Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road Traverse City, MI 49696 or cherrylandhumane.org/donate.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI 49684.