In Memoriam: Martin Edwards, Jr.

Published Thursday, January 2, 2025
by MAAR Communication

martinMemphis native, former president of the National Association of REALTORS® and Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®, Martin Edwards Jr., passed away on Jan. 1, 2025. His “The Power of One” catchphrase marked Martin's leadership. This mantra supported his belief that every REALTOR® can impact our profession through local, state and national participation. He lived out his motto – serving at a critical time in our nation’s history when his strong leadership and willingness to take essential stances shaped the industry as we know it today. His guidance in 2002, immediately following 9/11, work to found the REALTORS® Relief Fund, and desire to collaborate with national political leadership to refine banking and real estate practices cemented him as a determined advocate for the future of equitable real estate. You can learn more about his tenure as the NAR president in its archives.

Martin boldly served our association in Memphis, taking leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as our president in 1985. He was also one of the members who founded our Education Foundation, which continues to create meaningful professional development opportunities for local REALTORS®. Many of our classes are hosted in our Martin Edwards, Jr. Education Center, honoring his legacy. 

Throughout his career, he earned many notable accomplishments, including:

  • Serving as CCIM Institute President in 1989.
  • Teaching as a CCIM Senior Instructor.
  • Acting as NAR’s Treasurer for two years.
  • Being the first, and as of today, only NAR President from Tennessee.
  • Founding the CCIM Metro Memphis Chapter, the MAAR Education Foundation, the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union and the REALTORS® Relief Fund.
  • Spending years flying back and forth to DC to keep banks out of real estate – and succeeding.
  • Being appointed to the RPAC Hall of Fame.
  • Receiving the Presidential Award in 2021 by NAR President Charlie Oppler.

His impact will be felt for generations to come.  

Services will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church (1720 Peabody Ave., Memphis, TN 38104). 

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