A Life Story

Springfield – Charles Ronald “Ronnie” “Papo” Edwards, 76, passed away July 19, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. The Effingham County native was a retired truck driver, he was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and attended Union Baptist Church. He loved hunting, fishing, watching Nascar and the Atlanta Braves. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Watson Edwards and Leila Brauda Edwards; brother, Lawrence Richard Edwards; sister, Elizabeth Brower (Leroy); and bonus grandson, Curtis Johnson. Survivors include his wife, SuzAnne Stokes Edwards; daughter, Emileigh Gilgen (Chad); grandchildren, Charles Gilgen (Michaela), Hannah Gilgen, and Joshua Gilgen; sister, Linda Diann Green (Jim); brother, Mitchell Edwards; niece, Lisa Coursey (Fred); nephew, Jimmy Ford; several other nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Rebel. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel.