Mr. James Lyle Edge, 78

Mr. James Lyle Edge, 78, of Valdosta, passed away Oct. 24 at Fellowship Home Assisted Living in Valdosta.
He was born May 21, 1947, in Hazlehurst, to the late Jessie James Edge and Julie Moody Edge. He grew up farming on his family’s land, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors — he was happiest under the open sky. A true animal lover, he had a special affection for horses. He was a skilled and competitive horse rider who trained, bred, and traveled across the state to compete in horse shows and events.
Mr. Edge proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. After his service, he began a long and dedicated career with Georgia Power, retiring as a mechanic after 41 years of service. He had a natural gift for fixing cars and could make just about anything run again.
A hardworking man devoted to his family, he was their protector, provider and hero. His loved ones will always remember his kindness, strength and generous heart — one they lovingly say was “as big as Texas.”
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Edge.
Survivors include his son Darryl Edge of Valdosta; daughter Rhonda Marlin (Lisa Tinney) of Valdosta; and grandchildren Sierra MyKala Anderson (Thomas) of Marietta and Ravyn McKenzie Marlin of Duluth.
A graveside service was held Oct. 27 at Palms Memorial Gardens with Pastor Brad Waters officiating and military honors rendered by the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Miles Funeral Home was in charge.