Terry Randal Edwards (March 18, 1947 – September 18, 2026)

Terry Randal Edwards—proud father, grandfather, and United States Marine—passed away to be with the Lord on September 18, 2026, in Denison, Texas.

Born in Farmersville, Texas, to Lokey L. Edwards and Alice P. (Hall) Edwards on March 18, 1947, Terry was the younger of two brothers. He and his older brother, Steve, attended Whitewright High School, where Terry excelled in football. He carried with him his childhood nickname, "Tuffy," which perfectly captured his exceptional grit, resilience, and determination. After high school, Terry attended Grayson College for two years. Upon hearing the news of another Whitewright native's sacrifice overseas, Terry immediately informed his parents of his decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in March 1967. He served honorably until 1971, bravely serving both at home and abroad in various capacities.

In 1975, Terry married Connie Rhudy of Sherman, Texas. They welcomed their first son, Christopher Terry Edwards, that same year, and two years later in 1977, they were blessed with their second son, David Randal Edwards. Terry considered his sons to be the greatest blessings of his life and was never shy about expressing his pride in them. When he was not serving his community as a lineman with Texas Power & Light, he raised his sons in the outdoors, passing down his unique brand of rugged independence: to work hard, to avoid waste, to face life's challenges with endurance, and to always care for family.

One of Terry's favorite ways to care for those he loved was through cooking. Although he was known for many talents outdoors and at work, few were as celebrated as his skills in the kitchen. Mentioning Terry's name often prompted memories of the Lucky Shoe Barbecue, which he operated with his son David, with friends and acquaintances reminiscing about how much they missed his food. His family cherished not only access to his legendary recipes, but even more so the love and warmth behind every meal. Terry took great joy in sharing his hard-won knowledge and secret family recipes, always ensuring his loved ones knew how deeply they were cherished.

His practical and loving advice, playful humor, and boisterous laughter comfortably filled every room he entered. He brought that same sense of warmth, security, and joy to family gatherings, weddings, sporting events, and graduations. His grandchildren always knew they could count on Papaw Terry to be there whenever they needed him. Long cross-country rides on his Harley-Davidson were second nature to him, but nothing surpassed his dedication to his family. He would do—and did—anything for them, always with a warm and loving smile.

A man as steadfast, strong, and tenderhearted as Terry Randal Edwards was a true gift to everyone blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered around holiday dinner tables and family gatherings for generations to come.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Lokey L. Edwards; mother, Alice P. (Hall) Edwards; and brother, Steve Edwards.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Terry Edwards, and wife, Tara; son, David Randal Edwards; nephew, Steve Edwards Jr., and wife, Janice; grandchildren, Cody Edwards, Cassidy Edwards, Hailey (Edwards) Love and husband Tyler, and Danielle Edwards; and great-grandchildren, Sophie and Scotlyn Love.