Joe Michael Edwards, MD

Joe Michael Edwards, MD was born on October 3, 1939, in Hot Springs National Park Arkansas. He died on July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents Martha Maude Herndon and Cephas Mortimer Edwards.

Joe Michael graduated from Hot Springs high school in 1957, having been a school leader and drum major of the marching band and first chair Saxophone in the state of AR. He received a four-year music scholarship, but he chose to attend Hendrix College and major in Biology. After graduating in 1961 with a BA degree, he did graduate work in Zoology at the University Of Arkansas. He attended the University Of Arkansas School of Medicine, earning his MD degree in 1966. Joe Mike completed a rotating internship at Duval Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL. As a precursor to his career to follow, he delivered 13 babies on his very first night as an OB intern!

In 1967 he was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps and stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, KS. On January 1, 1969, he delivered the first baby of the year born in the state of KS. Later that year, he began his Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As a Chief Resident, he participated in Project Hope with a tour of duty on the hospital ship USS HOPE in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1972, Joe Michael began teaching and private practice. He was the Director of the OB/GYN Residents program at Nashville Metro General Hospital 1972-1977. He was the Director of the OB/GYN Resident Education Program at Baptist Hospital 1977-1979. He ended his teaching career as an assistant professor of OB/GYN at VUMC but for several years to follow, he trained a dozen OB/GYN Nurse Practitioners for the Vanderbilt program. Dr. Edwards served as President of the Vanderbilt OB/GYN Society, President of the Nashville/Middle Tennessee OB/GYN Society and President of the Green Hills Business and Professionals Association. In 1992, he made headlines by delivering the first healthy set of quadruplets born in Middle Tennessee. Known as a skilled GYN surgeon, he was especially passionate about his Obstetrics career, delivering almost 10,000 babies over 40+ years. When he retired in 2015, hundreds of his patients sent cards, notes and gifts of admiration and appreciation.

Joe Mike was married to the love of his life for 59 years. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, AR, where both of their families worshipped. He was a loving father and grandfather to his three grandgirls. Joe Mike was a loyal friend who loved music, the arts and dance, playing tennis, golf, fishing, water skiing, snow skiing, boating and betting on football with the boys. As young Physicians, the “Fearsome Foursome” began their Tuesday tradition on the BMCC golf course and he remained an avid golfer throughout the rest of his life, with many trophies to show for it. Joe Michael was intelligent, accomplished, genuine, funny, caring, kind , “a calm in the storm”, humble, modest, easy-going and some say a bit laid-back. He had a fantastic sense of humor, a distinctive laugh and gave wonderful, sincere hugs. He was adored by his family and friends and admired by his colleagues.

As a lifelong Presbyterian, Joe Michael served his church as a Deacon, an Elder and Sunday School teacher. He chaperoned many Youth ski trips, made “baby cakes” for pancake suppers and served Room In The Inn on the FPC campus. As members of the Session, he and CA enjoyed serving Communion together for many years.

His Professional certifications and associations include:
Diplomate, American Board of OB/GYN
Fellow, American College of OB/GYN
Fellow, American Fertility Society
American Association of GYN Laparoscopists
Tennessee OB/GYN Society
South Central OB/GYN Society
Vanderbilt and Arkansas Medical Alumni Associations
Member of Belle Meade Country Club and the Freolac Society.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte Ann Eckel Edwards and his children, Christian Eckel Edwards (Misty) and Anna Margaret Edwards Brackman; Grandchildren, Anna Grace Brackman, Ella Claire Brackman & Margaret Lee Brackman; Brother, Robert Patrick Edwards (Jackie)

You are invited to his celebration of life on Saturday August 17th. Visitation will be at 10 AM in the Cheek House at First Presbyterian Church. The memorial service will be in the Sanctuary at 12 noon. Burial to follow in the columbarium in Sullivan Garden. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Abe’s Garden Community for their loving care of Joe Mike.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, please consider:
First Presbyterian Church 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220
Abe’s Garden Community 115 Woodmont Blvd Nashville, TN 37215
Alive Hospice 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN 37203

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.