Edwards was last seen in Lexington, North Carolina at 2:45 p.m. on August 16, 1978. He lived with his wife and child on Laurel Avenue and worked at the Young Hinkle Furniture Company. He was a member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang and had a falling-out with other members. Shortly before his disappearance, he was allegedly robbed and beaten by other members of the gang. Edwards told his wife he was going to get his money back. He disappeared the next day and has never been heard from again. Foul play is suspected in Edwards's disappearance.