Jimmy Ray Edwards

Jimmy Ray Edwards, age 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born September 6, 1960, in Fresno, California, he was the cherished son of Alton Luther Edwards and Jewell Desema (Summers) Edwards. Jimmy grew up locally in Arkansas and, after attending high school, began working as a carpenter.

Jimmy was known as a master chess player who also enjoyed dominoes. He will be fondly remembered for his humor—especially his well-known catchphrase, “Buckle up!” Jimmy loved his momma’s home-cooked meals and never turned down a Reese’s peanut butter cup. He always made sure everyone around him felt included. He was of the Baptist faith. Though he is deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he was saved and ready to go home to heaven. He is free from disability and illness, and reunited with his parents.

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Julie (Danny) Eversole; nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Matthew) Waack, Nathan Jent, Blake Sutton, Amber (Michael) Polk, and Jacob Edwards; his dear friends, Harry Green, Jack Kennington and brother-in-law Danny Eversole; along with a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton Luther and Jewell Edwards, and his siblings: Steve, Joey, David, and Linda Edwards.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and funeral service officiated by Reverend C.A. Eversole to follow at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Chapel, 4817 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Interment will take place at Mayberry Cemetery in Central City, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Stephen Edwards, Shawn Edwards, Jacob (Jake) Edwards, Matthew Waack, Christian Ajtun, and Jacob Westfall. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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