Richard Lee “Dick” Edwards, 64, of Hendersonville, NC, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Mission Hospitals.
Born in St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville, he was the son of the late Gertrude and Dewey Edwards. He grew up in Pisgah Forest and graduated from Brevard High School and Auburn University. He retired from Michelin Tire Company and Henderson County Public Schools.
Mr. Edwards travelled extensively. He lived in France for some time, eventually becoming fluent in French. He was a loquacious fellow, known for his rebellious sense of humor and ability to make friends wherever he went. He will be remembered for both his constant smile and the joy he inspired in all those who knew him.
A Renaissance man, Mr. Edwards’ interests and hobbies prove both his diversity and sense of adventure. Earlier this year, he cheered Auburn to a national championship. Just a week before his death, he went scuba diving for the first time. He was in the process of restoring a Lotus sports car and enjoyed boating. He loved red wine; not only drinking it, but also educating others about how to taste it and what to look for in a wine. His dream was to one day open a wine shop of his own. He was an extremely intelligent man who possessed a master knowledge of trivia. Though he is no longer with us in body, he will live on in the hearts and souls of all who knew him.
Mr. Edwards is survived by his daughter, Nancy Burnham and husband, Shannon, of Charleston, SC; brothers, Edwin Edwards of Santa Maria, CA, and Jack Edwards of Mills River, NC; sister, Nancy Edwards of Hendersonville, NC; niece, Vicki Hickcox and husband, Jeff, of Dunwoody, GA; and nephews, Keith Edwards of Santa Maria, CA, and Michael Edwards and wife, Kerrie, of Asheville, NC.
A public service will be held Saturday, November 5th from 3-5pm at Shuler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Richard Edwards Scholarship Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank location.
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