John Richard Edwards, 68 of Pine Hollow Drive passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017. He was a native of Madison County and son of the late Eugene Edwards and Edith Edwards. Richard is also preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Edwards. He was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church of Mars Hill and a US Navy veteran, having served on the USS Newport News. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, Charlie Edwards (Subrina): sister, Susie Fender (Dwight); brother, Leonard Edwards (Faye); grandchildren, Kembur, Juliana, Jonathan and beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 11 – 1:00PM Monday, November 27, 2017 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Burial will follow at 2:00PM in the WNC Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations made to Blue Ridge Funeral Service, PO Box 27 Mars Hill, NC 28754 to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org