Hobart Baird "H.B." Edwards, III

Hobart Baird “H.B.” Edwards, III, 81, of Valdosta, GA, passed away after a period of declining health on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House with his family at his side. Mr. Edwards was the son of the late Hobart Baird “H.B.” Edwards, Jr., and Marie Howell Edwards. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty years, Pamela Gee Edwards; his four children, Hobart Brett (& Liz) Edwards of Fayetteville, GA, Elizabeth (& Jason) Deloach of Valdosta, John Gee (& Samantha) Edwards of Valdosta, and Meg Edwards (& Logan Peckosh) of Kirksville, MO; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kirby, Hayden Edwards, Laura Wynn (& Eli) Paulk, McKinley Baird DeLoach, Lee Peckosh, and Caroline Peckosh; and his brother John Kent (& Vikki) Edwards, Sr. Mr. Edwards was predeceased by his brother, William D. (& Ann) Edwards.

Mr. Edwards was born in Valdosta at the Little Griffin Hospital on October 6, 1943, and lived in Valdosta his entire life, except when he attended college and law school. After graduating from Valdosta High School, he attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, before returning home and graduating from Valdosta State College in 1964. Mr. Edwards began his legal education in childhood at his father’s law office before enrolling in the University of Georgia School of Law. His extensive social calendar and carefree study habits prompted him to transfer to the John Marshall School of Law in Atlanta, where he earned his law degree. While at law school in Atlanta, he ate breakfast every day at the restaurant in the Imperial Hotel, and worked at the William Oliver Building with his father’s first cousin, attorney Joe R. Edwards. Mr. Edwards graduated from law school and passed the Georgia bar in 1968, becoming the first member of the family’s third generation of attorneys, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Hobart Baird “Hell Bent” Edwards, Sr., and his father. His two brothers, Kent and William; a nephew, Judge John Kent Edwards, Jr.; and his son, Gee, would also follow in the practice of law.

Mr. Edwards returned to Valdosta where he practiced state and federal law throughout South Georgia for the next fifty years. Mr. Edwards loved his life, his work, the law, and the people he served. He began his law practice with his father in the same office building his grandfather practiced out of since 1923. Later, he built the office at 108 East Valley Street with his father and brother, Kent. It is rumored to be the first building in Valdosta built for a law practice. Mr. Edwards worked out of that office the remainder of his career. His father, both of his brothers, and his son, Gee, were fortunate to be his law partners there with him.

During his half a century as a practicing attorney, Mr. Edwards was grateful to represent so many clients, from all walks of life. He liked to quote his grandfather who would say his clients were the best people on earth. He tried innumerable cases, including everything from divorces to felonies. He was best known for his work as a criminal defense attorney, which included defending dozens of capital death penalty cases, and never losing a client to the electric chair. Even though he worked to defend the accused, he was best friends with many prosecutors and law enforcement. He could always find kinship, humor and love with others, rather than hatred or contempt. The stories he told, the way only he could tell them, and the insights they offered will live on in his absence as they shaped countless friends, family, lawyers, juries, and even some judges.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Pam, and spent any money he ever earned to provide for his family’s welfare and education. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing. He loved playing golf at Francis Lake Golf Course, where, on one memorable day, he hit a “hole in one”. He was an active member of many professional and civic organizations. He was proud to be a founding member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was member of the Valdosta Bar Association, the Valdosta Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and volunteered for years as a Lowndes High School Mock Trial Team coach. He enjoyed fellowship as a member of Valdosta’s Azalea Masonic Lodge No. 716 where he was a Past Master, the Knights Templar Commandery A.W. Godwin Council No. 28, the Malta Commandery No. 16 where he was a Past Commander, the Shriners, the Jesters, and he belonged to both the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. Mr. Edwards had a diverse religious career. He was raised at Lee Street Baptist Church, where his grandfather was a deacon. Later, he attended the Presbyterian Church but later became a United Methodist when he joined Park Avenue Church after marrying Pam in 1975.

Mr. Edwards’ family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of South Georgia and South Georgia Medical Center for their care during his last days. Mr. Edwards fell in love with his wife’s home in Mitchell County and wished to be buried there.

A graveside service will be held at Branchville Community Church, formerly Branchville United Methodist Church, at 11 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, located at 7885 Branchville Church Road, Camilla, GA, 31730. Rev. Lynn Roberts will officiate the service. All are invited to Branchville, but the family will also receive friends and loved ones in Valdosta at Carson McLane Funeral Home on Friday evening, March 14, 2025, from 5 until 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Edwards asked that contributions be made to Branchville Community Church, in care of Ms. Ann Faircloth, at 7790 Branchville Road, Camilla, GA, 31730, or Hospice of South Georgia, www.hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home