DAPHNE – The Fairhope community saw another outpouring of support in the wake of CJ Edwards’ death.

Thursday afternoon a visitation was held before the 22-year-old member of Fairhope High School’s Class of 2018 was laid to rest Friday morning.

Family, friends, classmates, coaches and more made their way through Small’s Mortuary in Daphne to pay their respects Thursday, including classmate and football teammate Wes Baumhower.

“I hadn’t really spoken to him since high school, we kept in touch but went our separate ways,” Baumhower said. “But I know he made a big impact on my life. He was always positive and I think it goes to show all the people and friends that are coming to the (services) and whether it’s social media or whatnot, all the love being shown to the family goes to show the kind of guy he was and the impact he made on a lot of people’s lives. I know he’s made me a better person knowing him and I’m going to continue to try and be a better person.”

Pirate Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Tim Carter agreed that Edwards set the tone with his personality and then dazzled with his talents.

“He was a star performer, his senior year he was our go-to guy as a slot receiver and of course in basketball he played guard and we had some great basketball teams, but he was just a really special young man,” Carter said. “I never saw the kid angry, very positive and worked extremely hard and as a result, was a very good player and teammate.”

Baumhower said although he wasn’t the loudest voice, Edwards was an undoubted leader.

“Great guy, did everything right. I know he was one of the team leaders and everybody looked up to him,” Baumhower said. “He was soft-spoken, really showed you more so than spoke; he led by example and did everything right. I’d say he was one of the most impactful players on our team that year and definitely one of the most influential.”

That impact has been seen in the flood of positive messages and support.

“I’ve had several players reach out to me and I know there will be a strong showing at the funeral but I just think because of his nature and positive spirit, he impacted Fairhope in a very positive way,” Carter said Thursday. “In both football and basketball, he was a really good player and an extremely hard worker and really loved by all.”