Ronald Walter Edwards, age 79, passed from this life to the next on December 22, 2025, after an extended illness.  Ron was a dedicated husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle Ronnie, and friend to all.  He lived his life with adventure and fun and pulled those around him into his orbit.

Ron was born in Oakland, California on September 28, 1946, to Marie Inez VanDer Haegen Edwards and Dawson Edwards. Ron was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corp Reserve and was known to show off his bulldog tattoo to those who asked. Ron graduated from Armstrong College in Berkeley, California, where he met the love of his life, Linda Watkins.  They were married on September 28, 1968, his birthday.  He said they chose this day so he would never forget their anniversary, and in 57 years, he never did. Ron and Linda had two children, Regan Edwards Smith and Kyle Edwards.

Ron enjoyed a stellar, decades-long career in sales. His ascent up the corporate ladder led his family from California, to Texas, to Illinois (Go Cubs!), and finally to Tennessee. The Edwards family settled in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1986. No matter where the Edwards family lived, Ron's love of life and people attracted the fun and the party.  He was always surrounded by friends and family, and friends who became family.

Ron loved baseball and coached many of Kyle's teams growing up.  He also coached one of his grandson's t-ball teams as well. Ron loved all dogs and volunteered at PAWS in Murfreesboro and ARC (Animal Rescue Corps) in Lebanon, TN. Ron was an avid traveler. He and Linda visited almost all of the 50 states, as well as many countries in Europe. Ron was proud of his children, children-in-law, and grandchildren and was always happy to brag on them or share a picture.

Ron is survived by his wife, Linda, and children, Regan Edwards (Roger) Smith and Kyle (Lara) Edwards.  He has 7 grandchildren, Ben, Zach, Abbie, and Drew Smith and Ruby, Amon, and Dawson Edwards.  He is also survived by cousins Jerry Hayes and Sandra (Rich) Huntley, a host of beloved nieces and nephews, and so many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Renee and Larry Adamson, and cousin Estella Hayes, as well his beloved Golden Retrievers Bob and Andy.

Ron would love for you to celebrate his life by petting a dog, raising a Guiness, or drinking a glass of good wine – always in the company of someone you love.

Visitation will be held at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4 to 7pm concluding with a Rosary at 6:30pm. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 11:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Rose of Lima Bridge or Haiti Ministries or the Animal Rescue Corps, Inc. (ARC).

An online guestbook for the Edwards family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

"Think where man's glory most begins and ends,

And says my glory was I had such friends."

-William Butler Yeats