My Grandfather

A mighty warrior of Christ's kingdom, Rev. Ed Madaris, 97, of Wingate, NC, was promoted to glory Friday, July 11, 2014, at his home.  Born February 28, 1917, in Tuscaloosa, AL, he was a son of the late Barney and Mabel Blake Madaris.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Henry Madaris of Asheboro, NC, a sister, Lola Shropshire of High Point, NC, a sister, Edith Bryant of Tucson, AZ, and a grandson, Paul Jewell of Pensacola, FL.

A service to celebrate the life of "Preacher Ed" will be held Sunday at 7 PM at Faulks Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7 pm in the fellowship building.  Burial will be on Monday at 10 AM in the Faulks Baptist Church cemetery.

Rev. Madaris is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Fannie Lee M. Madaris of the home; son, Rev. Tim Madaris of Pageland, SC; daughters, Linda M. Franklin of Pageland, SC, and Patsy M. Jewell of Orange Park, FL; sister, Lucille Welborn of High Point, NC; 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was married and came to know the Lord when he was 22 years of age, and shortly after was called to preach. He and his bride faithfully served the Lord in ministry for over 70 years. He graduated from Piedmont Bible Institute, now Piedmont International University, in Winston Salem, NC, and eventually became a trustee. He received the Alumni Achievement Award in 1997 for distinguished service to the Lord Jesus. He served churches in North Carolina and Florida as pastor, conducted numerous revival meeting across North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Florida, often using a tent for the revival crusades during the early days of his ministry, and he also had a daily radio program for 10 years. He helped develop and lead Camp Teen Haven in Asheboro, NC for 13 years, seeing numerous young people come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. The eternal impact of Preacher Ed's ministry cannot be expressed in numbers, however, we know of numerous men and women who surrendered to gospel ministry as a result of his influence. Both of his daughters married men called to pastor, his son, two of his grandsons, and one grandson-in-law are pastors of local churches. The family can only imagine the glorious reunion of those who have gone before him and were there to welcome him home.

Please take time to leave a comment, share a story, of how Preacher Ed influenced your life. The family will treasure them.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations for Bibles be given as  memorials to the Gideons International.

He was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I love you Granddaddy. I will miss you. BUT I will see you again!