Edwards remembered as businessman, volunteer, mentor

Gary Edwards is being remembered not only as a long-time local business owner but also as a volunteer and an ambassador for the Twin Lakes Area. Edwards died Thursday in Mountain Home at the age of 81.

Edwards was the owner and operator of the Golden Dragon in Gassville for 26 years. He also volunteered with the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce for over 32 years and was an ambassador for 26. In April and May of 2013, he traveled 137 1/2 hours and over 3,500 miles to deliver Mountain Home Chamber Travel Guides to 13 visitor centers throughout Arkansas.

Edwards served on the Day Center’s board of directors for eight years. He was also a mentor for the Baxter County Alternative School for 17 years, the Mountain Home Christian Clinic for 13 years and the Mountain Home Lions Club for eight years. For his work with the Lions, he has received the Edwin Dalstrom, Melvin Jones and World Service awards.

Edwards served in the United States Army for 25 years before he retired. He was with the American Legion for 38 years and was a life member. Edwards was also a Veterans of Foreign Wars life member for 16 years and a 32nd-degree Master Mason for 50 years. In addition, he served as a mentor for C-Step and the Youth Challenge at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock for 12 years.

Funeral services for William Gary Edwards will be Tuesday morning at 11 at First Baptist Church of Mountain Home. Visitation will be from 10 until the time of the service. Interment will be at Baxter Memorial Gardens.

He is survived locally by one sister, Sandra Anderson of Mountain Home.

Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home.

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