Mark James Edwards

June 9, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Mark James Edwards, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 64.

Born on December 30, 1961, in Wilmington, NC, Mark was raised in Charlotte, where he graduated from Myers Park High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University, where he formed many lifelong friendships as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He continued his academic pursuits with a Master’s in Accounting from the University of North Carolina and later earned his MBA from Wake Forest University in 2005.

Mark enjoyed a distinguished career in accounting and valuation spanning nearly four decades, culminating in his role as a valued partner at Grant Thornton, where he remained until his retirement in 2024. He led the firm’s Southeast Region Valuation Services practice and was widely respected as a leader in his field.  Known for his integrity and generosity, Mark was also a dedicated mentor to many colleagues.  In addition to his professional accomplishments, he shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University for many years.

A lifelong Wolfpack fan, Mark’s passion for NC State athletics was inspired by his grandfather, Earle Edwards, who served as the university’s head football coach from 1954 to 1970.  Mark also had a love for travel, with favorite destinations including St. Martin, Hilton Head Island, and visits with family and friends in England.  He found joy in cooking, woodworking, playing the guitar, and listening to music — especially heavy metal.

Mark is survived by his brother, Chris Edwards; nephew, Gannon Edwards, of Arizona; his cousins, Lisa Refausse (Bill) and Sarah Phillips (Stephen) along with other family members in Canada.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kelly Jess Edwards; his parents, Jack and Anne Edwards; his aunt, Judy Caswell; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Mark will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his dry wit, loyal friendship, and generous spirit. A man of strong faith, he was a longtime member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, where he served as a Stephen Minister and in many other meaningful roles. He was also known for his kindness to animals, especially the dogs he rescued and cared for over the years.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in the Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the lobby of Jubilee Hall. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed through the church website at http://myersparkumc.org/funerals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, PO Box 8195, Asheville, NC 28814 or www.bwar.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Carol and Michael Jess

    We welcomed Mark into our family when he married our daughter Kelly. During those years, we enjoyed many wonderful times that we will forever treasure. We are shocked and saddened to hear of Mark's passing. While we drifted apart over the years, we always felt that Mark remained in our family. We wish we could be in Charlotte to celebrate his life. I know there will be lots of funny stories from his friends. He was a dear soul. Rest in Peace.

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  • Laura (Saldivar) Steele

    I am heartbroken to hear that Mark has passed away. I last saw him at our MPHS reunion a few years ago and he was as kind and thoughtful and warm and funny as he was in HS when we were such close friends. It hurts to know I won’t see my dear friend again and that we have all lost such a lovely and sensitive human. I am sending my love and prayers to your family. Rest peacefully, sweet Mark. ??

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  • Rob and Sheila Heywood

    Sadly Rob and Sheila are unable to attend the service to celebrate Mark’s life. But we have many fond memories of our dear friend.
    In early 1990s Mark would visit his maternal grandmother (Dorothy) in Adderbury, England. On these visits he would like to enjoy a pint of Hooky beer at the village pub (The Bell) where he became good friends with Rob Heywood (the landlord). Over the years Mark would visit and stay with us in England, usually over the Christmas and New year period. Mark would always welcome us (Rob and Sheila) on our various visits to Charlotte and always made it home from home for us. We have very fond memories of holidaying with him at his favourite destinations of Hilton Head and St Marten. Mark was also Rob’s best man when we got married by the ship’s captain on a cruise in February 2003. What a fabulous cruise that was and I’m sure many of his friends will also remember it!
    We are both very sad to be unable to attend in person but we’ll be attending via the internet and be remembering the good times we had with Mark and his friends over the years.

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