Andrew Hollis Edwards

Andrew Hollis Edwards Jr., 89, of Banner, MS, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, enduring friendships and a loving family that he held dear.

Andy was born November 5, 1936, in Oxford, MS, the third child to Andrew Hollis Edwards and Clarice Smith Edwards of Banner. He graduated from Bruce High School in 1954, attended the University of Mississippi, and later joined the United States Navy from 1958-1962. He attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and served as a helicopter crewman for Air/Sea Rescue aboard the USS Lake Champlain(CV-39). He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1962, and returned to Banner, Mississippi.

Mr. Edwards owned a sawmill and gravel pit in Carroll County, MS, and later, spent many years as a bulldozer owner/operator, involved in land-clearing in Mississippi and Tennessee. He was an outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed duck hunting in the McIntyre Scatters and Skuna River Bottom. He "often left before daylight to be in the duck blind when the first duck dropped from the sky to the decoys". Along with his father, brother, son and nephews, he traveled to the Great Lakes each fall to hunt ruffed grouse. He was an avid crappie fisherman, and spent many days with Glenda and friends, boating and wading around Grenada Lake, during the spawning season. He was a lifelong Ole Miss Rebel fan, and enjoyed watching games, as well as, reminiscing about great games of the past. He was a voracious reader of US military history and politics, reading so many books on WWII and the Civil War, that it was hard to find something that he had not read.

He will be remembered for his love of his family, friends and animal companions, his stories and wry sense of humor. Andy was a member of Banner Baptist Church and the American Legion.

He is survived by his son, Andrew Hollis Edwards III (Rachelle) of Banner, and daughter, Elizabeth Edwards Tackett of Greenwood; grandchildren, John Hollis Tackett and Sumner Tackett of Greenwood, Jesse Gilliland (Shawn) of Oxford, and Andi Claire Edwards of Banner; great grandson, Thomas Aiden Gilliland of Oxford; his former wives, Glenda Edwards of Banner (caregiver), and Nancy Edwards Tharp of Oxford; brother-in-law Walter M. Wilkinson of Memphis, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Clarice Edwards, brother, Elwood Edwards, sister, Jeanette Edwards Wilkinson, and son-in-law, Jeff Crowder.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Edwards, Paul Edwards, John Hollis Tackett, Sumner Tackett, Tony Raly, Edwin Baker, Ted Camp, Jeff Poynor, Carlton Leachman and Lynn Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be Wade Boyle, Wesley Crawford and Glenda Edwards.

Funeral services will be held in honor of Mr. Edwards on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, MS. Visitation will be held from 12pm to 2pm, with services immediately following at 2 pm with Bro. Brian Wells officiating. Internment will follow at Stewart Cemetery in Banner.

The family requests that memorials be made to Ducks Unlimited, local animal shelter/rescue, or a charity of the donor's choice.Dog Lover's League135 Easley Ave.Bruce, MS 38915The Staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Edwards family as they begin this new season of life. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.

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