Bennick Dawes Edwards, 91, was born the eighth of nine children in Erwin, Tennessee on February 28, 1927. He went to be with his heavenly Father on October 6, 2018 after a lengthy respiratory illness. As a Depression era child, he moved to Pennsylvania and then to Maryland, where he became an accomplished dairy farmer. At the age of 19 he joined the Army and served in Japan during World War II. The GI Bill gave him the opportunity to attend Carson Newman College and then Kansas State University. In 1952 he met the love of his life, Rebecca. Joyfully married for 65 years, they raised three daughters and were blessed with four grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. Ben and Rebecca were faithful members of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church for over 60 years. Professionally, Ben was well known in Knoxville and Powell as a realtor, contractor, and property manager. Personally, he was a revered storyteller, fisherman, hiker, and grower of tomatoes. He loved nothing more than to share time with his beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews during reunions, camping trips, and celebrations. Over the years, he and his twin brother Billy rarely missed sharing their birthday together. Ben is preceded in death by his parents David and Ida Edwards and his siblings Lillian King, Gladys Edwards, Hyder Edwards, Lon Edwards, David Edwards, Ina Pickett, and Margaret Werner. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Galyon Edwards; his daughters Debbie Edwards LeCraw (Carter), Cindy Edwards Campbell (Rob) and Emily Edwards Payne (Waylan); his brother Billy Edwards (Ernestine); and his grandchildren Rebecca Campbell, Emily Campbell Swearingen (Joe), Peter LeCraw, and Samuel Payne. Funeral services will be held at the Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on West Adair Drive in Knoxville on Saturday October 13, 2018, with visitation at 12:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Kent Williams will officiate. Interment will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com
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