John H. "Johnny" Edwards Jr., departed this earth and entered the gates of Heaven Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. Johnny was born Aug. 22, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, to Dorothy U. Edwards of New Madrid and the late John H. Edwards. He was a graduate of New Madrid High School and attended Murray State University. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was stationed in Fairfield, Calif., and served three years overseas. Johnny was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Madrid and was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the New Madrid Masonic Lodge 429 where he served as Worshipful Master from 2005-2006. He was an active board member of the St. John's Bayou Drainage District for over 29 years. Johnny was a devout lifelong supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, University of Mississippi Rebels and the New Madrid Eagles. In addition to his mother, Johnny is survived by his wife, Sheila Edwards of New Madrid; three children, Lucy Edwards (Josh) Malson, Lauren Rachel Edwards and John H. "Trey" Edwards III and wife, Jennifer; two sisters, Dorothy Leigh Poore and Betty J. Edwards; and four grandchildren, Tyra and Phelan Parsons, Laurel Prince and Sydnee Edwards. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Sue E. Martin. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in New Madrid. Online condolences may be sent at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.com.