Roy A. Edwards, M.D.
(June 23, 1921 - December 6, 2013)

Roy A. Edwards, M.D., 'husband of Wanda Ferrell Edwards and a resident of Woodlands Retirement Community, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2013, at St. Mary's Medical Center. Born on June 23, 1921, in Cabell County, he was the son of the late Roy A. and Hazel Stanley Edwards. He was a graduate of Huntington High School, Marshall University, and the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Edwards was in the private practice of Psychiatry in Huntington for more than thirty years. From 1986 to 1994, he was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Marshall University Medical School and Clinical Director of Huntington State Hospital (Mildred Mitchell Bateman Hospital) from 1986 to 1995. He was a member of the American, Southern, West Virginia, and Cabell County Medical Associations, as well as a member of the American and West Virginia Psychiatric Associations. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He served as President of the Staff at Cabell Huntington Hospital, as well as Chief of Psychiatry at St. Mary's Hospital and Huntington Hospital (now River Park). He organized the Adult Psychiatric Clinic at Cleveland Receiving Hospital; the Christian County Mental Health Clinic in Hopkinsville, Kentucky; the Cabell County Mental Health Clinic (now Prestera. Mental Health Center); and the West Virginia District Branch of the APA (now the West Virginia Psychiatric Association). He was a former Superintendent of Western State Hospital in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Edward (Ned) Breathitt, and was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the South, and in Outstanding West Virginians. He was a Delegate from Cabell County to the West Virginia Legislature in 1973-74. Dr. Edwards also served on many civic committees, including the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Beverly Hills United Methodist Church, the Chancel Choir, and the John Wesley Sunday School Class. He was formerly a member of Guyan Country Club, the Stardust Dance Club, and the Cotillion Dance Club. In later life, he and his wife, Wanda, were winter residents at Cross Creek, Ft. Myers, Florida, for 22 years, where they enjoyed the company of many good friends. In addition to his wife, Dr. Edwards is survived by his children, Madalin Jackson Bickel of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Mary Margaret "Kekee" (Mitch) Szorcsik of Bonita Springs, Florida; and John Edwards of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; one step-son, Jonathan (Nancy) Dinkins of Monkton, Maryland; his grandchildren, Joe Szorcsik, Brian Szorcsik, Scott Szorcsik, Matthew Jackson, Heather Jackson, Josh Dinkins, and Jon Dinkins; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Janice Chandler Gold of Huntington; two special nieces, Robin (Stephen) Wilks and Nancy (Phil) Hazeldine; and four brothers-in-law, Buddy (Jean) Ferrell, Jimmie Ferrell, Charles (Susan) Ferrell, and Mike (Susan) Ferrell. Visitation will be at Chapman Mortuary in Huntington on Monday, December 9, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church, 2600 Washington Boulevard, on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. William Haynes officiating. The entombment will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Choir Robe Fund at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church.