Billy Ray Edwards, Sr.

Billy Ray Edwards Sr., 80, of Hamburg, died Thursday, May 16, 2024 at his residence.  Mr. Edwards was a native of Lake Village, a resident of the Shiloh Community north of Hamburg since 1988 and a former resident of Georgetown, Louisiana for over 25 years, Haughton, Louisiana and Kansas City for many years.  He graduated in 1961 from Haughton High School, where he was known as “Tank,” and received an Athletic Scholarship to play college football.  Mr. Edwards enjoyed working and believed in hard work.  He owned and operated his own log truck for several years, was a small engine mechanic, and worked at Scott Gas for over 15 years, having retired on his 80th birthday.  He was a member of the Fountain Hill Methodist Church, now the Fountain Hill Christian Church.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his yard, and telling stories. Mr. Edwards was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is preceded in death by two grandsons, Jarrod Myers and Jeffrey Myers; his parents, Clyde Edison and Mattie Wilkins Edwards; two brothers, Charles “Ricky” Edwards and Tibby Ray Edwards; a sister-in-law, Janet Edwards and a brother-in-law, Joe Martin.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie Shaver Edwards; his son, Billy Ray “Bubba” Edwards, Jr. and wife, Shana; his daughter, Penny Denise Rials and Johnny Pierce, all of Hamburg; two brothers, Clyde Edwards, Jr., and wife, Pam, of Minden, Louisiana and Johnny Dale Edwards and wife, Becky, of Georgetown, Louisiana; two sisters, Pat Edwards Martin of Hamburg and Evelyn Edwards Savell of Minden, Louisiana; eight grandchildren, Madison Edwards, Hunter Edwards, Lance McCarty, Jarrett Myers, Mallory Rials, Makenzie Pierce, Josh Pierce and Jana Pierce; six great-grandchildren, Lori McCarty, Lexie McCarty, Jaxxon Voland, Rylan McDougald, Alyssa Hebert and Brentley Myers and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 2 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Fountain Hill Christian Church with Rev. Clayton Hales and Rev. Chyrl Slocum officiating.  Burial will be in the Flat Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Lance McCarty, Jarrett Myers, Hunter Edwards, Rylan McDougald, Mick Shaver, and Justin McDougald.  Honorary pallbearers are Roy Glen Edwards, Carlton Savage, Junior Shaver, Gerald Wayne Burchfield, and Jason Allison. 

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, at the church.