JAMES PHILLIP EDWARDS

was born January 25, 1957 in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Charles and Louise Edwards. He passed away on April 30, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Lamberson Edwards; children, Natasha Louise Harrison (Randy), James Phillip Edwards II (Kim), and their mother Eva Kay Steel; sister, Ann Williams (Sidney) and brother, William Roy Edwards (Rhonda); his special grand girl “Al” Aubrey Lynne Harrison and two incredible grandsons, Grayson Charles and Asher William Edwards; bonus grandchildren: Ashlynn Drost, Abigail Harkins, Emmelynn Virden and Raylea Virden and their mother, Crystal Harkins; nieces, Anna Eastman and Brittany (Cody) Chancellor; nephews, Clay (Lisa) Williams, Eddy (Erin) Williams, Bradley Edwards; great nieces Josy (Will) Stokes, Natalie Edwards, Aria Williams; great-nephews, Erich Eastman, Christopher Holland, Axel Williams; great-great niece, Marianna Stokes; bonus mother, Barbara Edwards and bonus sister, Gina (Terry) Fulmer; lifelong “Brothers”: Gary Apple, Kip Chapman and Neil Cotham; and a host of cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Charles Wayne Edwards and his nephew Wayne “Wee” Edwards.

Phillip was an Eagle Scout, worked in construction and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed growing vegetables and sharing what he harvested. Everyone always looked forward to his dill pickles every year. He had a passion and calling for missions and went on thirteen trips with his final trip to South Africa in January 2020. He was a member of Grace Church of the Nazarene and worked in the food pantry, cooked breakfast for the children on Sunday morning and greeted everyone at the front door of the church with the best bear hug! If something needed fixing Phillip was your Man! You only had to meet him once and you were his friend forever.

There are no services planned at this time. Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.

Online guest book at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.