Ronald Alan Edwards

Ronald “Ronnie” Edwards (Pawpaw), age 78, of Trussville, Alabama, went to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 18, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ronnie was born on February 13, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, and lived a life marked by love, service, faith, and quiet strength. He served his country in the Navy and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He retired after 32 years from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, where he was respected for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to protecting others.

Ronnie was a devoted follower of Christ and a longtime member of Clearbranch Methodist Church, where he worshipped faithfully and cherished his church family.

He married the love of his life, Debbie, with whom he shared 35 wonderful years of devotion, laughter, and cherished memories.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his mother, Claudia Mayfield Edwards; his father, Gordon Edwards; and his beloved daughter, Cheryl Smith.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie Edwards, and his children, Richie Milner (Eve) and Mandy Moore (Larry), and son-in-law, Glenn Smith. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike Edwards (Libby), Susan Jacks (Mark), and Robin Dormady (Mike), along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was a proud grandfather to Garrett Smith (Hannah), Brandi Smith, Shelby Smith, Amber Carney (John), Kristen Myers (Scott), Morgan Russell (Jake), Kaylee Hart (Shawn), Tyler Wallace, and Whitney Wallace, and was richly blessed with his great-grandchildren; Abby Kate, Elijah, John Porter, Addie Claire, Hayley, and Connor, who brought him so much joy.

Above all else, Ronnie was a family man. He found happiness in fishing, watching the Atlanta Braves, and Gunsmoke with his cat, Killer. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, who will forever remember him for his willingness to serve others, his wisdom, faith, sense of humor, unwavering love, strength, and the occasional threat of a dustpan.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Ridout’s Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM CST, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM CST.

Burial with military honors will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Clearbranch Methodist Church, or Tunnel to Towers in Ronnie’s memory.

His life was a gift, and his memory will always be a blessing. We will see you again, Pawpaw.