Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BOYKINS — Richard Spier Edwards Jr., 84, former mayor of Boykins for 15 years, passed away on July 2, 2020, in Duke University Hospital.

A native of Southampton County, he was a son of the late Richard Spier Edwards Sr. and Nannie Wilhoit Edwards.

Spier was a graduate of Boykins High School and Virginia Tech. He was an Eagle Scout and a former Virginia National Guardsman. Spier was a former employee of C. B. Rock Motor Co. and Blythe Ford, and was the former owner of Edwards Spreader Body Co. He was a former President of the Boykins Lion’s Club and served on the Virginia State Lion’s Club Board and on the VA State Mosquito Control Board. He was a lifelong member of Boykins Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon.

When asked how would you like to be remembered, Spier stated, “As one who helped Boykins become a better community in which to live and work.” He had a love for the town of Boykins that was shown through his dedication and hard work. Three words people used to describe him were aggressive, dedicated and trustworthy.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Brett Edwards; a daughter, Susan Brett Edwards White of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; Richard Spier Edwards III (Angie) of Courtland; a brother, Roderick “Rod” Edwards (Billie) of Windsor; four grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth White Bryant, Keaton Jordan White, Ashlyn Shae Edwards and Brett Vaughan Edwards; two great-grandchildren, Brayden Miles White and Ivey Elizabeth Bryant; two nieces, Wendy Caldwell and Rhonda Savel; and a nephew, Todd Edwards.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 6, in Beechwood Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Biggers officiating.

There will be a viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, and the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Boykin’s Lion Club or Boykins Rescue Squad.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.