Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Corporal Gary Edwards served his community in exemplary ways, and his contributions are still felt to this day. His nearly 20-year career with the SCSO allowed him to connect with not only the community but also the numerous children he mentored as a school resource officer at Suwannee Middle School (SMS). Edwards, who grew up in Suwannee County, had received his education through the Suwannee County School District, graduating from Suwannee High School in 1985. From there, he went to Edward Waters College in Jacksonville before transferring to Lake City Community College to obtain his Associate of Arts degree. While going to school, Edwards worked for Winn-Dixie in Live Oak. In May of 1994, Edwards began to pursue his career in law enforcement, first working as a dispatcher for the SCSO before catching the attention of Sheriff Robert Leonard. According to the Gary Edwards Foundation, Leonard offered Edwards an opportunity to pursue a career as a deputy, which he accepted. In 1995, Edwards completed the law enforcement academy and began working as a school resource officer. Also in 1995, Edwards married his high school sweetheart, Robyne. Together, they had two daughters, Toi and Tyla. “I’m very proud of Gary’s service,” Robyne said. “He touched the lives of many people in the community.” The majority of his service was spent at SMS, where he helped mentor the children that came his way while also helping enforce the law at school. He was also focused on teaching children that drugs were not the answer to everyday problems. He would tour the Suwannee County School District, teaching kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol by teaching the district’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) classes. He was also heavily invested in the community. Edwards coached numerous SMS sports, including baseball and basketball. He was also the head coach of the SMS football team and also coached in parks and recreation teams. The biggest goal Edwards had was helping children even while not in school. In his early career, Edwards worked in road patrol during the summer break. After some time, he would be instrumental in the founding of the local Police Athletic League (PAL). During the summers, he would help children through the PAL program alongside Jimmy Cherry. He took on these responsibilities full-time during the summer, allowing him to focus on the needs of children in the community. It was a way, he believed, to keep kids from diverting into problematic situations during the summer break. In 2011, Edwards tragically passed away at the age of 43 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident involving a drunk driver. His death was traumatic to his family, friends and the community he served. Shortly after his death, the Gary Edwards Foundation was founded by twin brothers Sherman and Sherwin Riley. The organization held its first “Gary Edwards Day” on March 9, 2013, honoring the legacy that Edwards left behind, touching the hearts of children and adults in the Suwannee County community. Edwards is memorialized through the Gary Edwards Memorial Gymnasium at the site of the former Douglas High School, and a street at SMS is also named in his memory. It is safe to say that Edwards will be forever remembered as a significant contributor to the community and the lives he touched. He will also be forever remembered for his selfless service to community and safety.