of Conway, AR

September 9, 1956 - July 3, 2024

Melvin Lee Edwards, Jr. laid down for an earthly nap and eternally awoke in the arms of his Savior on July 3, 2024.

Melvin was born September 9, 1956 in Shirley, Massachusetts as the first child of Melvin and Doris (Benson) Edwards. He grew up in Jackson, Mississippi along with his siblings, Mike and Debbie. ''Junior", as he was affectionately known to his large extended family, loved exploring God's creation and often credited that desire to his grandfather, Frank Benson. Melvin later graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in forestry and worked for the U.S. Forestry Service.

Melvin's paternal legacy began with his marriage to Phyllis (Chunn) Edwards in 1978. They started their life together in Puerto Rico before moving to Ozark, Arkansas, where he worked for several years. During this time, they were blessed with their son, Daniel (Jill) Edwards, (Clarke, Amaya and Christian) and their daughter, Laura Catherine (Adam) Harrell, (Grace, Graham and Joshua). In 1993, he left the forestry service to pursue a successful 30-year career with Bank OZK where he retired as Executive Vice President of Administrative Services.

Empowered by his love and devotion to Jesus, Melvin honored his parents, cherished his wife, shaped and guarded the hearts of his two children, celebrated his six grandchildren and cultivated countless deep, lasting friendships.

Though his retirement time was short, Melvin was intentional with how his days were spent. He invested deeply in his family, served people, led as an elder of his church, hunted (his happy place) and enjoyed each day as a gift. He loved traveling with Phyllis and friends and watching and cheering on his grandchildren in all their athletic events. As a dad and ''Poppy'', Melvin treasured and loved his family well, giving them many wonderful memories to carry in their hearts.

He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of humility, kindness, respect for others, integrity, love and consistency. Godly and steadfast, Melvin modeled a life that abided in Christ and walked faithfully with the Lord. He was a quiet, gentle man of eternal influence.

''My prayer is that the world would be able to recognize us by our words and deeds as having been with Jesus.'' Melvin Edwards

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home (650 Central Landing Blvd) in Conway, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 2:00pm at The Summit Church (1905 Dave Ward Dr.) in Conway, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Melvin's name to The Summit Church, Conway's Believe Beyond building fund.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com