Richard Andrew Edwards

Richard Andrew “Peanut” Edwards, was born on April 29, 1949, in Crossett, Arkansas.  He passed away at the Countryside Assisted Living in Hamburg, Arkansas on November 18, 2023.

He graduated from Crossett High School in 1967, and married Ruth Ellen Fife in 1968.  He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for fifty years.

Richard was an avid fan of racing.  He loved the NHRA and NASCAR and spent a lot of time at the dirt tracks, where he loved the World of Outlaw Dirt Track Racers.  He also loved to bass fish and helped establish and officiate the annual Georgia Pacific fishing tournament.  He served as secretary of the Crossett Bass Club for many years.  One of his many other interests was bowling, where he bowled in the men’s league as well as the couples league.  He also spent time as a member of the Southern Stars Dance Club where he enjoyed square dancing with his wife and other members.  He was an active player on the Georgia Pacific volleyball team and the Georgia Pacific Golf League and participated in intra-company tournaments.  He was a member of the Prairie Country Club and played golf at every available opportunity.  He also loved playing on the Ouachita River, especially after Todd began to learn to water ski.

He was a member of the North Crossett Volunteer Fire Department for thirty-three years, where he was given the honor of Fireman of the Year in 2006.

He retired from Georgia Pacific after thirty-three years and later retired from the North Crossett Gas and Water after twelve years.

Richard was a beloved member of his community and called friend by many that loved him as he was always ready to step up to the challenge if anyone was in need.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy Jack “Papa Jack” and Hazel Youngblood Edwards; his mother-in-law, Mary Ruth Gean Fife; father-in-law, James P. “Buddy” Fife; brother-in-law, James Michael Fife; one nephew, Michael Allen Fife; and one niece, Selena Calloway.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Ruth Ellen Fife Edwards; one son, Richard “Todd” Edwards; and one daughter-in-law that he loved as his own, Beverly “Bebe” Hales Edwards; along with two granddaughters, Taylar Edwards Davis, and Maranda Johnson (Wesley); one grandson, Jeremy Defee (Tonia); nine great-grandchildren, Robbie-Jane Davis, Avery Joy Johnson, Ryker Johnson, Maverick Johnson, Olivia Grace Defee, Macie Rae Parker, Nathan Defee, Caleb Defee, and “adopted” great-granddaughter, Kelsey Nicole Brown; two brothers, Billy Wayne Edwards (Annette), and Ernie Edwards (Dianne); one sister, Kim Edwards; and one nephew, Ian Ashcraft.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 21st, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Bro. Keith Boseman, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Jeff Miller, Mark Doss, Dan Courson, Gary “Bubba” Fife, Ian Ashcraft, and Logan Fife.  Honorary pallbearers are Danny Courson, Jr. Stockstill, Don Crowell, and Russ Meeks.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, November 20th, at Medders Funeral Home.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Countryside Assisted Living for taking such great care of our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Thank you for the love and caring atmosphere that you provided, as well as the compassion that was shown to Richard.  It was and is appreciated by the entire family.

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