Gayle Wayne Edwards, 81 of Benton, Kentucky died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Better Senior Living in Cadiz, Kentucky.
Born Tuesday, September 1, 1942 in Benton, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Clatus Dannie Edwards and the late LouDora (Stahl) Edwards.
He was a heavy equipment operator and could operate any big equipment with ease and always got the grade right every time. He was a member of the Operators Union Local 181 and owned his own excavating company, Edwards Excavating. He was also of the Church of Christ faith. He was a graduate of Benton High School, Class of 1963.
Gayle was a very unique man, he was known for riding his antique bicycle backwards while sitting on the handlebars in the Tater Day Parade, he could also stand flatfooted and jump into a 55-gallon barrel with ease. He also had a passion for dirt track, mug bogs and drag racing, which he had a successful career in all three.
Surviving are son, Monty Edwards (Neacie) of Lamasco, KY, daughters, Marlana Sholar (Timmy) of Hardin, KY, Ginger Doughty (Teddy) of Benton, KY, Mignon Higgins (James) of Hardin, KY and Meleah Morrison (Brian) of Benton, KY, brothers, Lewis Edwards (Linda) and Ben Edwards (Kristina), sisters, Libbie Smith (Mike) and Danita Jackson (Gary), sister in laws, Donna Edwards and Sandra Edwards; grandchildren; Kyle Clark, Chelsey Watkins, Casey Dawes, Brandon McCoy, Corey McCoy, Clayton Edwards, Lindsey Edwards and Amanda Morrison, and 8 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Brent Edwards and Keith Edwards.
Funeral Services will be at the Collier Funeral Home Chapel on Monday November 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm with Gary Knuckles officiating. Burial to follow at Wilson Cemetery in Benton, KY.
Visitation will be Monday November 20, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Collier Funeral Home, Inc. located at 211 W 5th Street Benton, KY 42025.