Donald Robert Edwards

Donald Robert Edwards, age 85, passed from this life Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home at Brookdale Senior Living of Mandarin in Jacksonville, FL. He was born in Ingleside, TX to the late, Franklin Nathaniel Edwards, Jr. and Erma Lee Hammonds Watkins. He attended Leachville High School in Leachville, AR.

Don worked as a construction manager for most of his career in transmission power lines and sub-stations. He worked for Florida Power and Light then for over thirty years with Gilbert Commonwealth then many years with Black and Veatch where he retired in 2000.

He had a strong desire for photography, loved mowing on his riding mower and smoking meat on his patio. He loved his boots, country music and felt that time spent with cats was never wasted. He moved many times with his job and never met a stranger. One of his greatest joys was hanging out with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Arnold Watkins; sisters, Annette Beach and Linda Lowe; and son, Tony Edwards.

He is survived by one son, Craig Edwards (Julie) of Washington, NC; three daughters, Breigh Edwards (Ryan Scovill) of Des Moines, IA, Sandra Peterson of Arkadelphia, AR, and Donna Kay Smith (Dan) of Hot Springs, AR; two brothers, Franklin Nathaniel Edwards III (Cynthia) of Round Rock, TX and Johnny Watkins of Paragould, AR; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Mandarin Chapel, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32223