Thomas Macol Edwards III

Thomas Macol Edwards III

1963 – 2025

     Thomas Macol Edwards III, age 62 of Benton, Illinois passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

     Thomas was born on September 7, 1963 in Alexander, Virginia to the late Thomas Macol and Juanita Margaret (Robertson) Edwards Jr.  He married Tracy Hibner on March 8, 1990 and he was married to her for seventeen years.  Thomas did carpentry work and maintenance work.  He attended Harco Baptist Church.  Thomas enjoyed work on cars, spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He loved Dodge trucks, his dog, “Scrappy” and going to the drag races.  Thomas loved to work.  He would always drop what he was doing to help someone; he would stop and help anyone on the side of the road.  Thomas would always have Fireball candy to enjoy. 

     Thomas is survived by his four children, son, Aaron Hibner and wife Tiffany of West Salem, Illinois; son, Thomas Edwards IV and wife, Rose Marie of Harrisburg; daughter, Katelynd Edwards of Harrisburg; daughter, Laynee Edwards of Harrisburg; and special daughter, Crystal Miles and husband, John of Harrisburg; seven grandchildren, Zaine Hibner, Ziva Hibner, Zaylee Hibner, Gwindolynn Alvey, Kyson Martin, Brenden Miles, and Chase Miles; brother, William C. Edwards of Galatia; four nieces and nephews, Alicia Robinson of New Burnside; Melissa Phipps and husband, Ben of Marion, Illinois; William C. Edwards, Jr. of Harrisburg; Geneferlynn Nicole Gulley of Herrin, Illinois; and Melinda Elam of Harrisburg; niece, Justina Cottrell of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; great nieces and nephews, Felicia Cottrell, Kristin Cottrell and Alec Cottrell of Thompsonville and Bonnie Skaggs of Tennessee.

     In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his sister, Margie Moore; sister, Brenda Kay Mitchell; and nephew, Wendell Mitchell Jr.

     Funeral services for Thomas Macol Edwards III will be held at 6 PM, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Ben Phipps will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 6 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Stricklin Funeral Home and will be received at the funeral home. 

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