Arthur M. Edwards Jr.

1936 - 2024

Arthur M. Edwards, Jr. In the early morning of January 15, 2024, Arthur Miller Edwards, Jr., 87, of Walland, TN, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Bonnie by his side.

Art and Bonnie met when they were teenagers at a church youth group dinner in Louisville, KY, and have been inseparable ever since. They married in 1957 and resided in Louisville for the next 41 years where they raised their three children. In the early years, Art preached at several small local congregations, and served as a deacon at the Okolona Church of Christ.

Art was proud to serve as a member of the National Guard. After 41 years with the Ford Motor Company, he and Bonnie moved to Walland in 1998 where they lived happily in the foothills of their beloved Great Smoky Mountains.

Art and Bonnie loved the Maryville Church of Christ where Art served as an Elder, was a teacher of the gospel, and was devoted to foreign and domestic missions. He served on the board of World English Institute (WEI) which teaches the Bible through English lessons. He loved to hold Bonnie's hand while sitting in the pew during worship services.

Art was a truly good man, humble, slow to judge others and greeted everyone with a smile. He was welcoming, always hospitable, genuinely cared deeply for people and made an impact on many lives. He was generous with his earthly treasure and believed that it was gifted from God. He had the heart of a servant, always willing to go the extra mile because it was the right thing to do. He loved the Great Smoky Mountains, sitting by the river, hiking Mt. Le Conte, camping, Old Timer's Day in Townsend, western music, and riding his tractor. He was an animal whisperer - all animals loved him and he didn't even try. Probably because he exuded calm.

Most importantly, Art loved the Lord, and was ever grateful for giving him Bonnie, the love of his life. He lived a complete life, having loved and been loved.

The youngest of 5 children, Art was the son of Arthur M. Edwards, Sr., and Ada B. Edwards of Hart Co., KY. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Beulah Smithson, Leon Edwards, Louise Harl, and Dale Edwards. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Dadisman) Edwards, and three children, Vicki Laws (Jerry), David Edwards (Karen), and Doug Edwards (Lynette).

He is also survived by his six grandchildren and their spouses, Tabitha Snowbarger (Troy), Cody Edwards (Krissie), MacKenzie Galles (Adam), Kaitlin Wright (Kyle), Madeline McGee (Brent), and Olivia Salmen (Luke). Art and Bonnie have eight great grandchildren, Aurora, Kaden, Brooke, Caspian, Henri, Hannah, Lincoln, and Brooklyn. He was a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:00 noon with a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. at the Maryville Church of Christ outreach center. Interment will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that charitable donations be made to World English Institute (WEI) through the Maryville Church of Christ. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.