Richard William Edwards Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at his home in Natchez, Mississippi.

Rick was born in Chatham, NY on November 28, 1942 to the late Evelyn and Mack Edwards. He graduated from Chatham High School in 1960 and joined the United States Coast Guard shortly thereafter.

After the Coast Guard he took over his father's floor covering business, Chatham Rug, and continued as the owner for the next four decades. Most Chatham residents were familiar with the company vans or the business locations on Main Street and Route 203 over the years. He was a member of the Chatham Fire Department during the 1970s.

Anyone who had the honor of knowing Rick was, more than likely, familiar with his larger-than-life presence marked by that booming voice and laugh. If you were lucky, you were the recipient of one of his world class hugs that frequently resulted in your feet being lifted off the ground. A firm handshake from Rick was also memorable as his powerful calloused hands, carved through years of hard work, would envelop most other people's hands.

He was a beloved father to his children always trying to instill the proper values and providing a supportive ear for the wide variety of issues that inevitably arise in life.

Later years found Rick and Donna travelling the country in their R.V. with their canine companion, Kirby, visiting family and exploring new areas. It was during these trips that they discovered the town of Natchez. They moved to Natchez in 2015, after both being lifelong residents of Chatham, to escape the cold winters and perhaps get access to a slightly longer growing season as Rick was a lifelong avid gardener. In fact, he had just come in from the garden when he was stricken on December 26.

He is survived by his wife, Donna and his children: Richard Edwards Jr. (Kate) of Greenfield Center NY, Pamela Edwards (Jack) of Grand Canyon AZ, Karin Scism (Joel) of Clifton Park NY, Debra Campana (Robert) of Middle Village, NY and Grant Leadem-Edwards (Joanna) of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Edwards (Jennifer) of Evanston IN, Paul Edwards (Julia) of Gunnison CO and his sister-in-law Debbie Aiezza (Andy) of Castleton, NY.

He is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren Samuel, Alexander, Abigail, Geoff, Nick, Emilie, Amelia, Logan, Kaeden, Alexa, Louisa, Travis, Rita and Edward in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Kristina, first wife Edith, and brother John.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave, Chatham on Saturday, January 14th from 10-12pm. A memorial service will be held immediately after, followed by an interment at Chatham Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com