Dalton Edwards

Joseph Dalton Edwards, 20, of Statesville, died Sunday, October 15, 2017, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Dalton was born in Iredell County on September 6, 1997, and was the son of Joseph Edwards and Geri Gurka Edwards. He was a graduate of West Iredell High School and was a student at Pfeiffer University. Dalton was a member of Monticello UMC. He was also a member of Carolina Rapids Soccer and SADD. Dalton was a young man who loved his family. He was devoted to his faith and would carry his Bible with him everywhere. He had a competitive spirit and he loved to play soccer, football, and wrestle. His love for sports is what defined Dalton. His determination is what kept him going. He said that when he couldn't play soccer anymore, he would compete in the Special Olympics and when that wasn't possible, he was going to be a professional gamer. One year after Dalton received his liver transplant, he was awarded all conference, all county, and all region keeper of the year in soccer. Along with his family, he considered his teammates his brothers. He was a kind, sweet, and warm hearted young man and never met a stranger. He always treated everyone the same and gave some the benefit of a doubt even against his mother's approval. Daltons' sense of humor preceded him. He was funny and witty. He found humor in life, even when it was difficult to see humor. Dalton was a good cook. His goal was to start a taco food truck. He would use his parents and friends as test subjects. Most importantly though, Dalton never let cancer define him. His competitive spirit and love of sports was his definition. To understand Dalton, you must see Stuart Scott's Espy speech. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOWM_VuxxQ0) Dalton was a special young man. He will be truly missed. In addition to his parents, Joseph and Geri Edwards, he is survived by a brother, Dillon Edwards (Lauren) and a sister, Dharma Edwards, all of the home. He is also survived by two special cousins, Marly Rhyne and Elizabeth Webb, his paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother along with number cousins. He is further survived by his K-9 companion, Popcorn. A celebration of life honoring Dalton will be conducted at 3:00 PM Sunday, October 22 in the West Iredell High School stadium with Pastor Amy Spivey and Pastor Jill Rhinehart. The family will receive friends following at Monticello UMC. In honor of his life, the family requests that you come dressed in soccer jerseys, preferably a Manchester United soccer jersey. Dalton's wishes are that in lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to Pinky Swear Foundation, https://www.pinkyswear.org/donate, Rainbow Kids http://www.rainbowkids.com/get-involved/ways-to-help, Monticello UMC, or to Dream On Three c\o West Iredell High School, 213 Warrior Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Dalton Edwards.