J.R. Edwards, 86, passed away on Oct. 20, 2021 in Crowell, Texas. He was born July 28, 1935 in Motley County to J.W. and Cleo Hawley Edwards. He married Gloria Dixon on Jan. 17, 1959.

J.R. was a legendary cowboy who spent his life in the saddle taking his first bronc breaking job at the age of 13. He rode the rough string on all the big ranches including the Matador, Pitchforks, Four Sixes, Triangles, Waggoners, Montgomery and Swensons and ended his ranch career with Red Livingston at the Buckle L. When most people are settling in to retire, J.R. just hit another gear and went to work for smaller outfits all over North Central Texas calving heifers, roping wild cattle and helping with brandings. J.R. was honored by his peers in 2015 receiving the Trailblazer Award at the Texas Ranch Roundup in Wichita Falls.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria of Thalia, Texas; one son James (Kimmy) Edwards of the Montgomery Ranch; Grandsons Jay Edwards, James Edwards, Spencer

Edwards and Rusty Edwards; Great Grandchildren Josh Brotherwood, Kaylee Edwards, Jase Edwards, Nicky Edwards, Emery Edwards, Elliot Edwards and Ella Edwards; sisters Hazel, Annie, Willie, Belle and Linda and one brother Duane Sims.

He was preceded in death by 2 sons Robert Edwards in 1999 and Gary Edwards in 2020 and one granddaughter Crystal Edwards in 2011, his parents and 2 sisters Emmie and Lillie Merle.

J.R. requested that there be no service.