Richard William Edwards Sr.

1942 - 2022

Edwards, Richard William Sr.
NATCHEZ, Miss. - Richard William Edwards Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022, at his home in Natchez, Miss.
Rick was born in Chatham on November 28, 1942, to the late Evelyn and Mack Edwards. He graduated from Chatham High School in 1960 and joined the United States Coast Guard shortly thereafter.
After the Coast Guard, he took over his father's floor covering business, Chatham Rug, and continued as the owner for the next four decades. Most Chatham residents were familiar with the company vans or the business locations on Main Street and Route 203 over the years. He was a member of the Chatham Fire Department during the 1970s.
Anyone who had the honor of knowing Rick was, more than likely, familiar with his larger-than-life presence marked by that booming voice and laugh. If you were lucky, you were the recipient of one of his world-class hugs that frequently resulted in your feet being lifted off the ground. A firm handshake from Rick was also memorable as his powerful calloused hands, carved through years of hard work, would envelop most other people's hands.
He was a beloved father to his children always trying to instill the proper values and providing a supportive ear for the wide variety of issues that inevitably arise in life.
Later years found Rick and Donna traveling the country in their R.V. with their canine companion, Kirby, visiting family and exploring new areas. It was during these trips that they discovered the town of Natchez. They moved to Natchez in 2015, after being lifelong residents of Chatham, to escape the cold winters and perhaps get access to a slightly longer growing season as Rick was a lifelong avid gardener. In fact, he had just come in from the garden when he was stricken on December 26.
He is survived by his wife, Donna and his children, Richard Edwards Jr. (Kate) of Greenfield Center, Pamela Edwards (Jack) of Grand Canyon, Ariz., Karin Scism (Joel) of Clifton Park, Debra Campana (Robert) of Middle Village, N.Y. and Grant Leadem-Edwards (Joanna) of Denver, Colo. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Edwards (Jennifer) of Evanston, Ind., and Paul Edwards (Julia) of Gunnison, Colo.; and his sister-in-law, Debbie Aiezza (Andy) of Castleton. He is further survived by his 14 grandchildren, Samuel, Alexander, Abigail, Geoff, Nick, Emilie, Amelia, Logan, Kaeden, Alexa, Louisa, Travis, Rita and Edward, in addition to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Kristina; his first wife, Edith; and his brother, John.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham on Saturday, January 14, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. A memorial service will be held immediately after, followed by interment in the Chatham Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com