Mr. Thurmond Lee Edwards, 61, transitioned to his new life on March 18, 2015. He was born August 13, 1953 in Forsyth County to the late Lee Walter and Lula Mae Edwards.

Thurmond worked 28 years in R. J. Reynolds and for Industries of the Blind until his passing. He was educated in the public schools in Forsyth County and Winston Salem State University where he played football. Thurmond was an active member of Ministries of Truth where he served in many capacities over the years until his passing. He was a director of the Men's Choir, the Praise Team, Mass Choir, and the Now Generation Youth Ministry Choir. He was also very active in the community. He coached Pop Warner Football for the Tiny Indians, coached a women's softball team, and was the founder and director with members of the Industries of the Blind Choir, Vision of Praise.

Thurmond is survived by his wife of 22 years, Martha Edwards; two sisters, Theressa Edwards Parks and Tammy Edwards, one aunt, Shirley(Nathaniel) Davis all of W-S, NC; his son, Koryell Williams of W-S, NC; step-daughter, Aurelia Boseman of Jamestown, NC; two grandsons, Jerrod Ingram and Bruce Gentry of Jamestown, NC; one granddaughter; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Staples of High Point, NC, Pauline Anderson of Grier, SC, Samuel and Terri Hairston of Sacramento, CA, Thomas and Frankie Anderson of Grier, SC, and Vernon and Leretha Wyatt of McCleansville; NC; two nieces, Brittany Newkirk(Henri) of W-S, NC and Courtney Parks of Charlotte, NC; one great-nephew, Caleb Newkirk; brothers in covenant, Terry Shields and Charles Williams; one sister in covenant, Charsetta (Anderson) Taylor; a devoted covenant daughter, Jonita Minor Green all of W-S, NC; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.