Clayton Clair Edwards, Jr., age 91, of New Philadelphia died Tuesday, October 29, 2024, while in his residence under the care of Traditions Health Hospice.
A son of the late Clayton Clair and M. Lucille Robeson Edwards, Clair was born in the family’s New Philadelphia home on February 17, 1933.
He was a 1950 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and soon after was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea as helicopter mechanic during the Korean War.
Clair had a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. In 1975, he took a bold step by purchasing L.J. Smith Stair, laying the foundation for a successful career in the stair industry. His journey continued with the establishment of Heritage Stair Company, and in 1987, he proudly opened Carolina Stair Supply in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clair’s passion for his work never waned; he continued to contribute his expertise and innovate within the industry well into his late 70s, developing multiple products and earning five patents along the way. Additionally, Clair was a founding member of the Stairway Manufacturing Association (S.M.A.).
Beyond his professional achievements, Clair was fiercely competitive. An avid golfer and ping pong player, he brought an infectious energy to every game. He cherished the time spent teaching his grandchildren the nuances of poker, often reminding them with a twinkle in his eye that he was always ready to “teach them a lesson”—and perhaps win a little of their money in the process.
Those who knew Clair will remember him not only for his successes, but for his humble nature, boundless curiosity, and love for reading. He had a gift for storytelling, captivating friends and family with tales that reflected both his wit and wisdom. In recent years, Clair found community and fellowship at the Community Baptist Church in Dover.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Beverly, whom he married on August 14, 1999; his sons, Kevin (Jean) Edwards, Jeff Edwards, and Matt (Tina) Edwards; a daughter-in-law, Jessie Edwards, his step-daughters, Rhonda Day, Tami (Terry) Polen, and Ruth (Tracey) Ackerman; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
Completing the family are two sisters-in-law, Maxine Edwards and Ruth Edwards, two brothers-in-law, Dave (Linda) Canfield, and Randy (Shelley) Canfield as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Clair was preceded in death by a son, Scott Edwards; a great-grandson, siblings Lillian Burrier, Robert Edwards, Jerry Edwards, Beverly Turner, and Paul Edwards.
The family will greet guests on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Linn-Hert Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A celebration of Clair’s life will be led by Pastor Andy McClung on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:30 AM in the New Philadelphia funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center following services.
The family requests memorial contributions in Clair’s name be directed to Community Baptist Church, 420 E 3rd St, Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Traditions Health Hospice, 238 Front Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
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