Jefferson Gary Edwards

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Crouch Chaple
510 E. College Ave.
Batesville, AR  72501
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
First Baptist Church
610 Main Street
Batesville, AR  72501
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
11:00 am
Cemetery
Blue Springs Cemetery
...
Newark, AR  ...
Memorial Contributions
Arkansas Hospice
14 Parkstone Circle
North Little Rock, AR  72116


White River Health System Foundation
PO Box 2197
Batesville, AR  72503


John 3:16
75 Homes Rd.
Charlotte, AR  72522
Jefferson Gary Edwards

of Batesville, AR

May 12, 1941 - September 8, 2018

Dr. Jefferson "Gary" Edwards of Batesville, Arkansas, died peacefully at his home on September 8, 2018, after a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Gary was born in Newark, Arkansas, in 1941. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University. He had his own private veterinary practice in Batesville, and then began a long career in the poultry industry. He was recognized as one of the foremost experts on poultry production in the country, traveling the world setting up and directing poultry operations.

Gary really believed the best part of his life began when he retired at 58. He said he wanted to spend the rest of his life giving back to others. He was an active church member at First Baptist Church of Batesville and participated in many mission trips across the country. He volunteered for community organizations including White River Medical Center and Help and Hope, and was on the Board of Directors of the White River Health System Foundation and Williams Baptist University. In 2010 he was honored by the Arkansas Hospital Association as Volunteer of the Year for Arkansas. And his many friends know of the countless acts of service and kindness he showed them over the years.

He is survived by daughters Andrea Edwards of Little Rock, AR; Amanda Edwards of Collinsville, IL; Pat James and her husband Leonard, of Batesville, AR; and Amanda Chason and her husband Steve of Augusta, AR; grandchildren Gary Wallis, Brian Edwards, Olivia Perry, Matthew Perry, and Alley Edwards; and sister Carolyn Osborne and her husband Pruitt. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Una Dell Edwards, and parents Ray and Marie Edwards.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Batesville. Graveside services immediately following at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark, AR. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, at Roller Crouch Funeral Home, 510 College Avenue, Batesville. In lieu of flowers, Gary has requested that donations be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Cir, North Little Rock, AR 72116; White River Medical Center, 1710 Harrison St., Batesville, AR 72501; John 3:16 Ministries, 75 Holmes Rd., Charlotte, AR 72522; or the organization of your choice. He would also say that what would honor him most would be an act of service to someone or to an organization that needs it.


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8 Condolence(s)
Howard and Wanda Heron
Mabelvale, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 13, 2018

So sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family at this time

James & Dodie Boyett
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Gary was one of the nicest people we have known. If someone needed help he was always there. We will miss him very much. Praying for his family.

Betty Burge Cockrill
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with each and every member of Dr. Edwards family.

Gary Paxson
DESHA, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

It was an honor to have known Gary over the past few years. He was a consummate example of a humble, Godly servant. He was an example of how to live in many positive aspects. Gary will be sorely missed in our community. I look forward to visiting with him "over yonder". Well done, good and faithful servant.

Kristie Hambrick
Pleasant Plains, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Gary was one of the nicest gentleman that I have ever known. He always had a smile and a kind word when he came into the bank. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Prayers for his family and loved ones.

Greg Shaver
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Gary was a wonderful friend to our family, and will be missed greatly. Our condolences go to all of his family. It was such an honor to have known him.

DIck Bernard
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

A perfect example of how to live ones life. I will miss you Gary, but also know how happy you are to reunite with the love of your life. God Speed
Dick

Gary Bebow
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Gary was an outstanding WRMC volunteer and friend of the hospital and mine. His joyful presence at the hospital and dedication to improve the life of others are memories that will never be forgotten. All of us loved and respected Gary--he will be greatly missed.

Gary provided an example for all to follow. May he rest in peace.