Gary Russell Edwards, 73, of Mechanicsville, MD, formerly of Byron, GA died June 5, 2010 at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Born June 29, 1936 in West Bend, Iowa, he was the son of Vernon Russell Edwards and Lydia Marie Wirtz.

Mr. Edwards played guitar and played in a band called Range Riders. He loved watching birds, nature and all animals, especially his most beloved and devoted dog, Gidget.

Besides his parents, Mr. Edwards was predeceased by a son, Michael J. Edwards who died in 1983.

He is survived by his children, Michelle Langley (Ray) of Mechanicsville, MD, Belinda Edwards of FL, Shawn Edwards (Wilma) of FL and Joseph Spiekermeier (Beth) of Hamilton, IL; grandchildren, Keri Gray (Jesse), Megan McGreal, Tracey Edwards, Shawn Edwards, Jr., Hailey Spiekermeier and Jaiden Spiekermeier; great grandchild, Gabriella Gray; brothers and sisters, Janet Webster (Wayne) of West DeMoines, IA, Nancy Finnegan(Ken) of Oakland, IA, Donna Nims (Gene) of Grayslake, IL, Sandra Martin of Fortson, GA, Dale Edwards of Perry, GA, Diane Feldpausch of Louisville, KY, Susan Carstenson (Ron) of DeWitt, IA and Marvin Edwards (Julene) of Yankton, SD.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.