Obituary of Dick Edmunds

Richard “Dick” Edmunds, 80, husband of Cecelia Fair McLeod Edmunds, left to be with his Father, God, his savior Jesus and his comforter The Holy Spirit on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at NHC Healthcare. Born August 28, 1940 in Sumter, he was the eldest son of Champion Moore Edmunds and Elizabeth Hayes Lucas Walker Edmunds. He graduated from Edmunds High School and attended Presbyterian College. He worked in textiles at Santee Print Works for 40 years. He was also a volunteer Constable with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Dick was an active member of the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Treasurer. Dick was an avid Sportsman. He loved to hunt. Fishing was his passion. Anyone who tasted his fried fish knew it was the best they’d ever had. Everyone who knew him loved him. He shared his subtle sense of humor with everyone and he was best known for his generosity. He was always there for those who needed him. His memory will be cherished by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of Sumter; sons, Richard Champion “Champ” Edmunds, Jr. (Barbara) of Darby, MT and Thomas Frederick “Freddy” Edmunds, II (Emilie) of Sumter; six grandchildren, T. Edmunds (Mary Elizabeth), Anna Lee (Hunter), Cecilia Ormand (Isaac), Emilie Hayes Clinton (Gaberial), Dylan Edmunds (Taylor), Sarah Edmunds and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Bentham “Ben” Walker Edmunds (Tempe), DeSaussure Davis “DD” Edmunds (Peggy), Samuel Henry “Cricket” Edmunds (Randa), a sister, Mary Reed; many nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law, John Messersmith. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Elizabeth (Eliza) Lucas Messersmith. Graveside services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday in the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Jody Foster and Rev. Rodney Foster officiating. The family is requesting attendees wear casual attire and follow COVID-19 guidelines. The family will receive friends following the graveside service and other times at the home. A private family service will be held in the Wedgefield Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Wedgefield Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 36, Wedgefield, SC 29168. On-line condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386