James Earl Edwards of Sheridan, Arkansas was born August 17, 1944 in Malvern, Arkansas, the son of the late Oscar James "O.J." Edwards, Jr. and Edna Earl Lamar Edwards. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Sheridan, where he served as Deacon, and played his bass guitar for over 40 years. He served his Lord by singing in the church choir, in southern gospel groups and also with his wife, Charlotte, and his sister-in-law, Micki. He was a retired auto parts salesman and in his spare time, he enjoyed building, fixing and repairing things.

Mr. Edwards died Monday, February 4, 2019 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 74.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca Toney and a brother, John Russell Edwards.

Survivors: wife, Charlotte Gwin Edwards of Sheridan; son, Barry and wife Loretta Edwards of Sheridan; daughter, Wendy Hignight of Little Rock; brother, Raymond Edwards of Bismarck; sister, Melinda and husband Gary Ragsdale of Jessieville; brother-in-law, Danny Toney of Shreveport, Louisiana; 4 grandchildren, Rachel and husband Andy Schaefer, Elizabeth and husband Cory Hogue, Jack Phillips and Logan Hignight; great grandchildren, Norah and Amelia Schaefer, Amara and Izzabelle Hogue, and one on the way and a host of extended family members, church family and friends.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Friday at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dustin Sanders, Rev. Jimmy Bobo, Rev. Larry Stinson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Ross Mote, Don Ozment, Jack Kelly, Don Ashcraft, Hubert Moore, Joe Jordan, Raymond Edwards, Johnny Edwards and John Trotter.

Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church, Building Fund, 310 West vine, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.