Richard Kendrick Edwards Sr.

Born in Pineville, NC, Richard was the son of Matthew Alvin Edwards, Sr. and Mary McGinn Edwards, also of Pineville. He was a graduate of Berryhill High School and began serving our country in the Navy during World War II. Serving aboard the USS Iowa, Richard was able to observe history unfold. In 1945, he witnessed the signing of the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, by General MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz, aboard the neighboring USS Missouri, bringing the war to a close.

Once home from the war, Richard took over the family dairy farm and married the love of his life, Betty Eaton Edwards. Richard remained her devoted husband for 57 years, until her death in 2006.

Richard’s motto was, ‘if you’re not eating or sleeping, you should be working’. He had an incredible work ethic, which he instilled in his three sons, Richard Jr., Robert, and Ronald. He pursued his passion for farming until he retired from it in 1996. The next year, he began working for Edwards Lawncare of SC, Inc. and finally retired for good in 2014 at the age of 88, truly living out his motto.

Richard continued to serve his community and became one of the founding members of the Flint Hill Fire Department. He continued to be active in the department throughout his life, serving on the board of directors and holding the honor of being a Life Member.

Richard possessed a strong loyalty to the Lord and to his church. He was a faithful member of Flint Hill Baptist, serving on various committees, including being a deacon and a trustee.

Out of all of his accomplishments, Richard’s greatest passion was his family. He would never miss an opportunity to tell his family how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. Richard’s legacy continues to live on through his three sons, Richard Edwards, Jr. and wife, Wilma, Robert Edwards and wife, Beth, and Ronald Edwards and wife, Jane.

Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jake, Jessica, Matt, Deana, Morgan, Chad, Lauren, Ryan, Kendrick, Luke, James, Michelle, Sarah, and Jordan, as well as 10 great grandchildren, all of Fort Mill. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers, Matthew Alvin Edwards, Jr. and William McGinn Edwards, as well as his beloved wife, Betty Eaton Edwards. He has many nieces, nephews, and close friends, including his dedicated companion of 10 years, Marie Chandler.

Richard will continue to be remembered fondly for his quick wit, humor, and big heart.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27th, 2021 at Flint Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will take place from 1:00-2:30pm and the service will begin at 2:30, followed by a graveside memorial at the church cemetery. All memorials may be made to the Flint Hill Baptist Church General Fund, c/o Flint Hill Baptist Church, 269 Flint Hill Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Edwards family.