James Neal Edwards, Jr. passed away on May 23, 2024, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was 67 years old.

"Neal" as he was known, was born March 14, 1957, in Sikeston, MO to the late James Neal Edwards, Sr. and May Hillis Edwards.

Neal graduated from New Madrid High School in 1975. He was an ironworker for local union 782 for most of his life. He traveled and worked in many different states throughout the country during his time as an ironworker. He made many lifelong friends along the way, entertaining them with his avid storytelling and his amazing abundance of jokes to share.

Neal was known for carrying books everywhere he went. He loved to read and expand his knowledge. He was also a talented writer and was in the process of writing a book he had hoped to publish one day.

Neal was a loving father to Ashley Edwards (Eddie) Keck, Malorie Edwards, and James Sullivan Edwards, all of Anna, Illinois. He was a doting granddad to Emily Edwards and Blake Sullivan Edwards. He was excited to be welcoming another granddaughter to his family this fall.

He was brother to Sabra Edwards (Mark) Hall of Poplar Bluff, MO and Mary Kay Edwards of Columbia, MO. Neal was blessed to have Jimmy Henderson as his life-long best friend and brother. They made great memories and shared many stories together.

Visitation will be held at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, MO on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with funeral service following at 1:00 pm. He will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid, MO alongside his parents and grandparents.