Russell "Dan" Daniel Edwards, Sr.

Russell Daniel Edwards, Sr., 86, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Sacred Ground Hospice House. He was the last surviving son of Arthur Darnell and Minnie Frances King Edwards. Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sally Beatrice Roberts (Louis), brothers Arthur D. Edwards Jr. (Betty) and Earl Bruce Edwards (Stella), nephew, Jason Edwards, and wife of 67 loving years, Phyllis Vineyard Edwards. 

Dan is survived by daughter, Karen E. Cunningham, son Russell D. Edwards II (Jennifer); four grandchildren, Blake Cunningham (Jenny), Lauren Rivera, William Edwards (Storey), and Elise Rechel (Max); eight great-grandchildren, Declan and Logan Cunningham, Kennedy Rivera, Brooklyn, Camden, and Haven Edwards, Owen and Katie Rechel, a host of loving nieces, nephews, very special friends, and Kathy Wyrick Edwards. 

Dan was born on July 25, 1938, two months after his father’s sudden death on May 16, 1938. He was a graduate from Fulton High School where he learned his lifelong trade of machining and reading blueprints. He was employed at Sanford Day Iron Works/Mormon Transmotive for 12 years before joining Union Carbide. There he worked at the Y12, K25, and X10 plants. Dan looked forward to his retirement after a 30 year career at Union Carbide. After retirement he faithfully chose to serve with the Shriners International. Dan became a Shriner Roadrunner for over 15 years, driving children and their families to the Children’s Hospitals in Lexington, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Greenville, SC. 

Dan was a member of South Knoxville Baptist Church until the family moved to the Halls community in 1987, transferring their membership to Beaver Dam Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member and Deacon, serving on the Benevolence committee, Martha’s Ministry, and Vacation Bible School. Dan graciously gave of his time to help others when needs arose, always serving with a sweet spirit and putting others needs above his own. 

Dan (Dad, Granddad, and Uncle Dan) will be remembered for his deep love of family, friends, and strangers alike, truly living out Philippians 4:5, letting his gentleness be evident to all. He was a passionate sports enthusiast and the family's go-to "fix anything" man, spending countless hours in his garage, tinkering with cars while cherishing time with his loved ones. Dan traveled across the country to support his grandchildren and later found joy in FaceTime calls with his eight great-grandchildren, staying connected with the family he adored. 

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 29th from 5 to 7pm at Beaver Dam Baptist Church with the Celebration of Dan’s Life immediately following with Dr. Alan Price officiating. A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery at 11am on Friday. Memorials may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Beaver Dam Baptist Church in memory of Dan.