Dale Edwards

Franklin Dale Edwards, age 81, of Vilonia passed away May 18, 2023, at his home. He was born on December 17, 1941 to the late Denver and Delilah (Wilson) Edwards. After graduating high school in 1959, he joined the Arkansas National Guard and worked as a mechanic at Camp Robinson. He continued working as a mechanic for 12 years at Tait-Coppess Motors in Little Rock. He later became an electrician and worked for his brother James, at CIECO electrical contractors until his retirement in 2009. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Taylor Reaves, brothers, James and Tommy Joe Edwards, sister-in-law Jolene Edwards, and brother-in-law Drew Lovelady. Dale was a life-long Eagle fan. He loved Vilonia sports and kept stats for the softball, football and basketball programs for over 40 years. He also coached ASA softball for 10 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Dianne (Lovelady) Edwards, his children, Karen Edwards Lee, Kim (Jeff) King, Melissa Edwards (David Bowie), Amanda (Clay) Winn, Tiffany (Brian) Shannon, and Blake Edwards; 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jared Fowlkes, Jeff Edwards, Rick Barnard, Frankie Farris, Zachary Crawford, Joe Coker, Charles Coker, and Charlie Mills. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Shaw, Jerrell Coker, Wayne Mitchell, Freddie Weaver, Howard Williams, Bill Harrod, and Jeff Hall.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, at Mars Hill Church of Christ.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Mars Hills Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Cypress Valley Cemetery.

Arrangements by Vilonia Funeral Home (501) 796-2275.