Ralph Eugene Edwards, Jr., the son of Ralph Eugene Edwards and Norma Marie (Newberry) Edwards, was born May 16, 1952, in West Plains Missouri, and departed this life on November 17, 2022, at his home in Springfield, MO.

Ralph spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating from Oakhaven High School in 1970. He was an excellent student-athlete and lettered in football, basketball, and track. Upon graduation, he attended college at Ole Miss.

He married Taru Ingrid Gustafson on June 27, 1986. They enjoyed their cats, horses, and working together on their ranch in West Plains.

He was a long-term employee of General Electric and traveled extensively for them. He worked as a nuclear engineer and completed his career at G.E. as a Chief Financial Officer. Ralph and Taru moved to West Plains to be near family in 2004 and retired in 2005.

Ralph was an avid golfer and a longtime West Plains Country Club member. He enjoyed playing in tournaments with his parents for many years. He had an excellent group of golfing buddies and looked forward to their weekly games.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Taru, his sister Diane Smith and her husband, Bert, of Springfield, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be remembered as a beloved husband and brother. Ralph will genuinely be missed by all who knew him.