of Mountain Home, AR
June 6, 1943 - March 20, 2025
Mr. William Gary Edwards, 81, of Mountain Home passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025. He was born June 6, 1943 in Galesburg, IL. He is the son of Raymond and Leona (Swanson) Kirby.
Gary was known in the community as owner of The Golden Dragon of Gassville, AR for 26 years. He was dedicated to volunteering, military and his religion. During April to May 2013, he delivered Mountain Home Chamber Travel Guides to 13 visitor centers in Arkansas. It took him 137 ½ hours and he traveled 3542.2 miles. He volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce for over 32 years and was an Ambassador for 26 years. Gary served as a mentor for the Baxter County Alternative School for 17 years; Christian Clinic for 13 years; Lions Club for 8 years and received 3 each Service Awards for Edwin Dalstrom, Melvin Jones Award and a World Service Award; Board of Directors for the Day Center for 8 years; American Legion for 38 years and is a life member; VFW life member for 16 years; retired from the Army 25 years; Master Mason 32° for 50 years; mentor for C-Step and the Youth Challenge Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas for 12 years. Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He is survived by three children, William Gary Edwards, II and wife, Mary, of Buda, TX, Terry Wayne Edwards and wife, Kelly of Red Oak, TX and Kimberly Dawne Cox and husband, Shannon of Greenwood, AR; sister, Sandra Anderson and husband, JR of Mountain Home, AR; brothers, Randy Edwards and wife, Linda of Provo, UT and Jeff Kirby and wife, Nancy of Keller, TX; along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Leona (Swanson) Kirby and brother, Terry Ray Edwards.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Mountain Home with Pastor Tad Rogers officiating. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Mountain Home from 10:00-11:00am with the funeral service starting at 11:00am. Interment will be at Baxter Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Gary Edwards II, Terry Edwards, Shannon Cox, Jeff Kirby, Vince Anderson and Rob Hall.
Services are in the care of Roller Funeral Home.
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22 Condolence(s)
Nola Treat
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Prayers for all his Family. He was a great Dad to be proud of.
Lucinda Blair
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Gary and I served together for years with the Mtn, Home Lions Club and with Mtn. home Chamber of Commerce
He was a dear friend and I will miss him.
His laugh his great hugs. Bless you my dear sweet friend.
Jeff & Ruth Dunn
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
For all Gary's family we pray for your peace and comfort at this time of loss.
Linda Sheffield
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I always loved shopping at The Golden Dragon and my husband got acquainted with him at 224th Maintenance Guard in Mtn Home. Prayers for the family.
Carol phillips
Monday, March 24, 2025
My prayers for Gary,s family. I first met Gary in 1973 at Mar=Bax Shirt Company- Even then he was a “force to be reckoned with” ….a human dynamo, and one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He was so dedicated to giving his help in so many areas. Gary has left a beautiful legacy.
Diahanne VanGulick
Monday, March 24, 2025
Gary leaves a tremendous hole at Baxter Health and Rock Steady Boxing. Such a special friend to so many!
Carlos Lane and Cindy Turner Cole
Monday, March 24, 2025
We went to school with Jeff Kirby. He and Carlos were best friends as teenagers. Though we never knew Mr. Edward's, we did know his parents. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Celebrate an amazing life!
DeSoto ISD CTE Family
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Terry,
Your DeSoto ISD CTE Family sends our deepest condolences to you and your family. We love you and you have our utmost support during this time.
Tom and Pam Harper
Sunday, March 23, 2025
We just moved in to his neighborhood and he welcomed us with open arms. We will truly miss you.
Dianne Ellison
Sunday, March 23, 2025
I know sweet Geneva was waiting for you at the gates of heaven! Prayers for your family my dear friend!
Jeannie Kirk Hall
Sunday, March 23, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. His sister, Sandra, and I were close friends while teenagers. His brother, Terry, graduated with me. Wonderful growing up together in Midway, Ar. Prayers for the family. May Jesus comfort as only he can.
Patty Kotlicky
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Saddened to learn of Gary's passing. He was an example of a life well-lived. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Peter C, Christensen JR
Sunday, March 23, 2025
A lot of good memories
Kelly Henson
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Gary was great gentle man, always a smile everytime I seen him, he will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Kathryn strauser
Saturday, March 22, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father!! Thoughts and prayers
Crystal Fristad
Saturday, March 22, 2025
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. How I wish I could be there to give you each a hug. Know I am grieving with you. Love to all of you,
Jeep and Melba Chick
Saturday, March 22, 2025
We were saddened to hear of the death of Gary. We have known Gary for many years and attended church with him. Seldom missed a Sunday without having a conservation with him. When he and his family lived in Salem, we lived down the street from them. We will be remembering the family in our prayers.
Jeep and Melba Chick
Velara Crownover Harris
Saturday, March 22, 2025
So Sorry to hear the passing of Gary.Have known him since he moved here.We Worked together at the Shirt Factory,and Good Friends for Many Years.Always enjoyed our Visits of Old Times.My Love and Prayers To All The Family.
Joan Rosson
Friday, March 21, 2025
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Gary at Among Friends. He was a sweet guy.
Lucinda Blair
Friday, March 21, 2025
Gary you and I spent many in serving the Moutain Home Chamber and Moutain Home Lions.
You are such a kind and generous person.
God Bless you.
Joyce Staiger
Friday, March 21, 2025
Tom and Linda McCurnin
Friday, March 21, 2025
Gary, we will miss you dearly.