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.
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40 Condolence(s)
Ms. Esther
Friday, July 19, 2024
Please know I care-
I am so, so sorry.
I love you.
Ms. Esther
Ally Anhalt and Family
Friday, July 12, 2024
So deeply sorry. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Patrice Phillips Johnson
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wingfield/Jim Hill Class of 74’
Lisa Brink Hudson
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Phyllis, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family not only today but also in the days and weeks to come. You and Melvin were always a bright spot at Bank OZK during my time there. This earthly loss is truly Heaven's gain. May you have the peace and comfort in knowing it isn't "goodbye" but rather "see you soon".
Jannie Waite
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Phyllis and children of Melvin I feel your pain. But walking with God as Melvin would’ve wanted you to will help to ease the pain. My heart just aches for y’all I have just found out today on the 10th of his passing. Melvin had such a gentle soul, and such a loving heart and he is going to be missed by all. We can rest in the knowledge that one day we will all be together resting in God’s arms.
Bonny Hill
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
My heart goes out to you as you find your new normal. Praying His peace that passes all understanding will guide you through each day. Love you, Bonny Hill
Calvin Hill
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Melvin was a man of God and His goodness shone through him. You will be surely be missed. Praying for you Phyllis and your family!
Neil McGehee
Monday, July 8, 2024
Phyllis we love you. Melvin was a sharpener to me. As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. He did this through his walk and his words of encouragement. I was always blessed when we spent time together.
Steve, Sonja & Zac Wickens
Monday, July 8, 2024
Deepest sympathies and prayers for-comfort and peace.
Fondly,
The Wickens Family
Cathy Bonner
Monday, July 8, 2024
Just returned from vacation today and was shocked to learn of Melvin's transition. I will always remember his kindness and wit that I experienced from the first day that I joined the Bank until his retirement. A wonderful gentleman, who I would often see in the parking garage as we arrived for work at the same time most days. Mr. Melvin, as I called him, was a real treasure. May God provide comfort, strength, and encouragement to the family not just today, but in the challenging days ahead. Rest in Power and Love Mr. Melvin!
Mala Waller
Monday, July 8, 2024
Phyllis, please know that my heart aches for you and your family. I’m so saddened by the loss of such a Godly man. Melvin was truly a faithful servant, a true gentleman with the kindest heart. He had the most sincere and gentle soul. I enjoyed learning from him in our group and hope you know how much he impacted my life. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Jason Spoon
Monday, July 8, 2024
Phyllis and family,
When I heard of Melvin's passing, my heart sank. Melvin was a true man of God and he didn't just walk the walk, he talked the talk. He was the most genuine person and when you had a conversation with him, you could tell he truly cared about you. When I first started working at the bank in the early 2000's, I was able to get to know Melvin (and you as well). I had some great conversations with him. He really encouraged me at that time being a young parent with 3 kids. He always pointed me to Christ. I have and will continue to be praying for the Lord's peace that passes all understanding.
Rex & Terri Heffington
Monday, July 8, 2024
Sorry to hear about Melvin's passing. We are praying for you all.
Heidi Rippy
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Our hearts are broken for your family hearing of Melvin’s passing. Please be assured of our prayers for your sweet family, for consolation from Jesus and for His peace that passes all understanding. I know his legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of his family. I will always remember his gentleness and sense of humor, but most of all-his kindness! Much love from Tim and I.
Bob Huston
Sunday, July 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. We grew up together in south Jackson. He was always such a nice person. Truly one of the Good Guys! Prayers for all..
Randy Teltow
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Melvin was one of the most kind people I've ever known. The Love of Jesus always appeared in his eyes and his voice. What a loss for this place...but a gain for Heaven! What a blessing he is to all he met thru his life here!
Danica Massey
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Just 2 weeks ago someone asked me who the most Godly man I knew was and after my dad I told her it was Melvin Edwards. He lived and loved others the way Jesus tells us to live. He will be missed until we see him again as we enter our Savior’s kingdom.
Rita Rhineheart
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Melvin interviewed and hired me to work at the Bank in November, 1997. Any time our paths crossed during our working years, he was always smiling and friendly.
So very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Johnny and Becky Robison
Sunday, July 7, 2024
We are heartbroken to hear of Melvin’s passing. Phyllis just know we are praying for you and your family. We love you! Becky and Johnny
Lesa Jester
Sunday, July 7, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember his kind spirit. I send prayers of peace and comfort to Phyllis and the family.
Cherylon Reid
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Melvin was an incredible person. I truly loved working with him at Bank OZK. Melvin will be missed by many! Phyllis and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Cherylon
Jake Scott
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Melvin was a consistent encouragement to me. When we held our first prayer meetings prior to planting, he and Phyllis were the couple I prayed with. They were warm and inviting to me and continued to be so throughout my years in Conway. I’m grateful to have known him, and I will miss him dearly.
Kim Maddox
Sunday, July 7, 2024
It was a pleasure to have worked with Melvin. One of my favorite individuals from the bank. Prayers for all of his family and friends.
Debbie Kirby
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Melvin was the definition of a true gentleman and Godly person. My love and prayers go to Phyllis and their family.
Melinda Mullins
Sunday, July 7, 2024
A true man of God. A blessing to the Summit Church and all who knew him.
Susan Bagwell Grant
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phylis, I am so so sorry to hear about Melvins passing! My memories of him to this day are that he always had a smile on his face and his kindness!! I will truly be praying for you and your family during this difficult time in your life. i’m so thankful he is in the arms of Jesus !!
Robert (Bob) Jenkins
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Though it was more than 50 years since I last saw Junior face-to-face, our start together on life's journey is still special in my heart. He will continue to live in the heart and minds if all who knew and loved him. I pray God comfort you in this loss and grant you peace.
Tod and Mimi Ghormley
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phyllis and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you. When we think of Melvin, Micah 6:8 comes to mind for surly he did “act Justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with his God”.
We grieve for you but claim that “ Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of his godly ones.”
We pray for you the comfort that only the Master can give.
Love Mimi and Tod
Carl and Rhonda Pearce
Saturday, July 6, 2024
While our hearts are so saddened, we take comfort in knowing he is with Jesus. His love for the Lord was so evident! He was always so kind to us and especially to our son Eli, starting when he was in the youth group at Summit Little Rock! He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Love and prayers for you all!
Carl, Rhonda and Eli Pearce
Nancy Cole Sullivan
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phyllis, although we haven’t seen each other in years, you and Melvin have always been dear to my heart. I’m sorry to hear of Melvin’s passing. Praise God for the blessed assurance of seeing him again. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love,
Nancy
Craig K. Uyeda
Saturday, July 6, 2024
I was so saddened to hear of Melvin's sudden passing. My oldest daughter Laura Uyeda worked with him for years at Bank OZK and thought so highly of Melvin she wanted me to meet him. She introduced us when he retired and became our neighbor in Conway, AR. We were just getting to know each other sharing a love and enjoyment of the great outdoors. He was a great guy and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Melvin, his family and friends.
Craig K. Uyeda
Nathan Edwards (nephew) & Kids
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Unlce Junior, your love and heart warming presence will be forever missed. I will always remember the good times we had at family gatherings and hunting trips. Your time on Earth has been memorable by so many. May your journey in the next life be ever so fulfilling of love and great memories.
Love,
Nate and Kids
Martie Everett
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phyllis, I can’t begin to say enough great things about Melvin. When I heard of his passing, I remembered our times in Laurel with you, Melvin, and so many wonderful young couples who loved being together. Church, socials, softball weekends, and raising our babies stand out as the best of times. I always respected Melvin so much . HE lived his life for the Lord.
Please know that Johnny and I are praying for you .
Rick and Suzan Newman
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Dear Phyllis,
While we know Melvin has reached the place we all long for, we know just as well that your heart must be grieving as never before. We’re so thankful for our memories of the two of you and wish we had stayed in touch through the years! We pray that God will uphold and strengthen you through these days as you celebrate Melvin’s wonderful life while mourning this temporary separation from him. We love you!
Rick and Suzan Newman
Psalm 34:18
Doug Young
Saturday, July 6, 2024
I'm so sad to hear of Melvin's passing. Love you guys so much. Praying God's presence, comfort, grace, provision and love in this time.
I'm a better man because of the encouragement, example, love, wisdom and friendship of Mr Melvin. What a great man!
Doug
Robert Parrish
Saturday, July 6, 2024
I was sad to hear of Melvin’s passing. While I haven’t seen him in years I still get to see Daniel at least once a year. Besides my friendship with Daniel I’ll most be thankful for what Melvin did in helping to bring and grow K-Life in our hometown of Ozark. It was KLife that God used to literally transform and change the trajectory of my life. Thank you for being a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus who you get the unending joy of being with face to face this very moment. Our prayers will continue to be with y’all’s families.
Jane Pinson Wilson
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phyllis, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve Melvin's death.
With love,
Jane Pinson Wilson
Karen White
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Phyllis-my heart is broken with Melvin’s passing. He not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. We can take comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior and we will be united with him one day. My prayers are with his precious family.
Love Tim and Karen White
Patrice Phillips Johnson
Friday, July 5, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wingfield Class of 74’
Larry & Tina McDonald
Friday, July 5, 2024
Phyllis,
You and Melvin had a profound impact on Tina’s life during your days at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. We were greatly saddened to hear of Melvin’s passing. You and your family continue in our prayers.