WRAL TV

Jack Edwards, four-decade WRAL News stalwart, passes away

Jack Edwards worked at the station for 41 years, starting as a photographer and advancing to the role of news operations manager before his retirement in 2007.

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The WRAL News family lost a long-time co-worker on Tuesday.

Jack Edwards worked at the station for 41 years, starting as a photographer and advancing to the role of news operations manager before his retirement in 2007. He was 86.

“We’re terribly saddened to lose Jack," said WRAL News Director Rick Gall. "He was an integral part of this newsroom for four decades and left a legacy that is still with us today. I’ll always remember his commitment to excellence, the support he gave to others and his wit. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Ruth, and extended family.”

Edwards was the creator of what is known in the WRAL newsroom as "Jack Packs," the survival kits of food, water, batteries and equipment carried by WRAL reporters when they head into storm coverage.

"His 'Jack-Packs' are legendary to this day, because he knew when you're covering a hurricane you need batteries, rain gear and, most importantly, food! Jack always was one step ahead of us in taking care of what we needed," WRAL News anchor David Crabtree said.

Leesa Moore, who followed him in the role of news operations manager remembered him as one of a kind.

"Jack knew more about photography and the TV business than most of us ever will, and so many of us benefited from that knowledge," Moore said. "His legacy lives on through all who called him co-worker, teacher and friend."

A funeral service will be held Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner. The family encourages Edwards' friends and co-workers to share thoughts, memories and laughs during the service.

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