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Celebrating the life of
Richard D. Edwards
May 18, 1947 - February 15, 2023
Savannah, GA- Richard D. Edwards, Sr., 75, of Savannah, GA passed away on February 15th, 2023. Richard was born at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ to the late Charles Edwards and Eugenia Shirley Edwards. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Allen Edwards. His family was transferred to Savannah’s Hunter Army Airfield when he was 9 years old. Even at a young age, he was called to leadership and service through his participation in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Junior Assistant Scout Master and member of the Order of the Arrow which is reserved for scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Richard attended Savannah High School, graduating in 1965. At Savannah High, he was a Beta club member and excelled in the ROTC program as platoon leader and Vice-President of the ROTC Officer’s Club. His senior year of high school, he joined the National Guard. Upon graduation from high school, he entered active duty and trained at Ft. Sill, OK where he graduated at the top of his class. After completion of active duty, he enrolled at Armstrong State College earning his college degree in Business Administration in 1969. It was at Armstrong that he met his best friend and wife of 54 years, Georgia Thigpen Edwards. He served as a First Lieutenant in the National Guard for 9 years. He began his career in banking as a manager trainee for Citizens and Southern Bank, later Nationsbank, in Savannah. For 25 years he worked as a Commercial Loan Officer and then Trust Administrator. He found his calling during his second career in the Community Investments department for United Way of the Coastal Empire from 1995-2011. Throughout his life, Richard found much enjoyment in serving his community. He was active in the Armstrong Alumni Association serving as President, the Sertoma Club of Savannah, Board Chair of Savannah Speech and Hearing Center and numerous other community taskforces and committees helping his neighbors remain safe, be healthy and prosperous. He was a member of Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church. Richard was well known in the Savannah business and non-profit community for his friendly nature- he never met a stranger.
Devoted to his family, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, son Rich (Christy) Edwards, daughter Christine (Jeffery) Williams and grandchildren Alice, Owen and Lucy. Pop-Pop loved all his adventures with Georgia and the “grands.” He is also survived by his sister Sara (Mike) Connor, mother-in-law Millie Croom, sister-in-law Phyllis Thigpen, brother-in-law Kirk Thigpen (Martha) and many nieces, nephews and caring friends.
Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Monday, February 20, 2023 at Fox & Weeks, Islands Chapel
Graveside Service will be 10 am, Tuesdsay, February 21, 2023 at Greenwich Cemetery.
The family requests contributions in honor of his memory to his favorite place to spend time with his grandchildren, Oatland Island Wildlife Center at https://www.friendsofoatland.org/support.
Thoughts & prayers go out to Georgia, Christine & Rich & their beautiful family. Richard was a very special and kind person. Our days in Sertoma are dear to me. Love to all of you, Anne
- Anne K Smith, Savannah, GA
Christine, I am sorry for the passing of your dad. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
- Leigh Rimpau, Dacula, GA
I always enjoyed my conversations with him as they were very thoughtful and entertaining. My prayers are with you all.
- Bret Dillard, Athens , Ga
Georgia I am so sorry to learn of Richard passing,we worked several years together in the same department at the C&S Bank and I enjoyed our time at the retiree’s club . May God ease your pain!
- Floyd Whittington , Savannah , Ga
Georgia I am so sorry to learn of Richard passing,we worked several years together in the same department at the C&S Bank and I enjoyed our time at the retiree’s club . May God ease your pain!
- Floyd Whittington , Savannah , Ga
Georgia I am so sorry to learn of Richard passing,we worked several years together in the same department at the C&S Bank and I enjoyed our time at the retiree’s club . May God ease your pain!
- Floyd Whittington , Savannah , Ga
Richard and I met at Armstrong while attending their business classes. He was a true gentleman and most mature for his age. There are just so many men of his character around. Sad to lose him. Glad he and Georgia shared a long life together. Wish it could have been a lot longer for both of them! See you in heaven!
- Bobby Thomas, Roswell , Ga
So sorry to hear about Richards passing. Richard had a profound and positive influence on me early in my career. I learned a lot of how to be successful in community work by the way Richard interacted with people. Thoughts and prayers to you all in your time of need-Seth
- Seth Walker, St. Louis, MO
Georgia, my sincere condolences go out to you and your family.Praying that you and your family will find comfort in the memories you’ve shared.
- Margaret Miller, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear. Richard was a devoted family man and an all-around good guy!!
- Pam and Bud Traynor, Fairfax, VA
I am deeply saddened to read about the passing of Richard. He was a joy to work with and fond memories. He always had a smile and always so positive. My condolences to the Edwards family and prayers for comfort and peace during this time of deep loss.
- Maggie Keenan, Richmond, VA
My condolences to Richard's family. He loved you all dearly. I have such great memories of Richard. He was a genuinely good person. We worked together at the United Way and he certainly was a committed employee. He always remembered my birthday even after I left the United Way because it was on Pearl Harbor Day. He will surely be missed. Praying for you all as you navigate this challenging time.
- Gena P. Taylor, SAVANNAH, Georgia
My deepest condolences to the Edwards family for the loss of this wonderful man! He was one of the first people to stop by and chat with me on my first day at UWCE, and I quickly learned that a "chat" with Richard could go on for hours! His outgoing, sunny personality instantly turned strangers into friends with the first handshake. Well, I guess I'll never know exactly what that White Elephant Christmas gift was that Richard gave me! That colorful wooden contraption has stumped me for the past 12 years, but I held on to it because it makes me think of him and smile. That, and I haven't been able to unload it at another White Elephant swap.
- Angela Toole, Savannah, GA
Georgia, I am so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. Everyone could see that y'all were the perfect couple with all your fun adventures and love for family and life. You have so many memories to cherish. Prayer for all of you.
- Jana Underwood , Savannah , Georgia
Christine, you must be heartbroken and I am so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a remarkable man. Laura S
- Laura Smith, Savannah, Ga
Very sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. We both worked at 22 Bull St C&S Bank. Richard was an easy going, friendly and kind to everyone. We all thought very highly of him. Prayers and blessings to his family and friends
- Paula Drawdy, Ellabell, Georgia
Condolences to Georgia and the entire Edwards family. Richard was certainly a pleasure to work with during our time together at United Way. I pray God grant you all the peace that surpasses all understanding of Richard's passing.
- Trudy Jones, Savannah , GA
Richard was one of the finest guys ever. I worked with him at Bank of America. May God bless him and his soul! Prayers for him and to all of his family!
- Stuart , Griffin , GA
Georgia, I was so sorry to learn of your loss. From our days at Pulaski -Savannah High, Richard was always the same!--a good person. He always had something good to say! He was indeed a very special person. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
- Jane S. Anderson, Savannah , GA
Rich, we are sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
- David, Brooke, Wesley, and Austin Hooker, Savannah , GA
Georgia, we are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He was a wonderful gentleman. We shall not see his like again.
- Ron and Bonnie Fargason, Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Richard. He was such a kind man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Georgia. Please let me k ow if there is anything that I can do for you.
- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee Island, GA
A candle has been lit!
Our condolences and love ❤️ go out to Georgia, Rich and family, Christine and family. Richard was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother-in-law. We have known Richard since he and Georgia began dating 50+ years ago. Love ❤️ to all of you. Brenda
- Marion and Brenda Major, Savannah, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Visitation
- 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Mon, February 20, 2023
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Graveside Service
- 10:00 a.m. on Tue, February 21, 2023
- Greenwich Cemetery
-
330 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843