Bergin W. Edwards Jr.

 Bergin W. Edwards, Jr., beloved father, husband, teacher and coach passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the age of 79.

     Born on February 26, 1946, in Bryson City, N.C.  Bergin was the son of the late Bergin and Minnie Clampitt Edwards.

     He graduated from Swain County High School and went on to earn degrees from Gardner Webb College and Mars Hill College.

     In the summer of 1969, Bergin moved to Graham County where he began teaching and joined Robbinsville High School football team as an assistant coach.  Alongside Coach Bob Colvin and the other assistant coaches, they shaped a powerhouse football team that is still celebrated today.  He also coached baseball, basketball and track.

     While Bergin enjoyed success in the athletic arena, his impact on our community extended far beyond wins and championships. Bergin was a teacher at heart.  His calm demeanor and dry wit were an incredible combination that captured the attention of his students while he imparted knowledge that improved their lives forever.  He thoroughly loved teaching different business classes.

     Bergin was deeply devoted to his family.  He is survived by his wife, Ann Shope Edwards, and their daughter Stephanie Edwards DeBruhl.  He considered his sisters-in-law, Maxine Williams Bahr, Jan Rogers, and Maureen Hice to be part of the Edwards family.  His nephews, Mark K. Williams and Hayden Rogers were so special to him. He also has special relationships with his cousins, Gwen Bushyhead, Jimmy Byrn and Monty Clampitt.

     Those who knew Bergin remember him as a man who gave freely of his time, his wisdom and his heart.  His legacy lives on not just in the halls of Robbinsville High School, but in the lives of the many people he inspired.  He was, in every sense, a good man.

A service to honor his life will be announced at a later date.