Byron E. Edwards, 62, of Paducah, died Monday, March 11, 2013, at 3:29 a.m. at Baptist Health Paducah.

He worked at Union Carbide for 19 years as an instrumental mechanic. Byron’s racing career started at McCracken County Drag Strip. He brought the enthusiasm for vintage drag racing back to the country with his work with NDRA from 1986 to 1989. From this point he moved on to Goodguys and VRA where he coordinated and also started the Vintage Drag Racing. He organized the racing venue, booked entertainment, handled security, etc. While working with Goodguys, Byron was also the nostalgia tech liaison and scale master for NHRA for 20+ years, retiring in 2010.

In 2012, when Keith Murt and Dr. Blane Grow decided to reopen the drag strip, now known as Beacon Drag Way, Byron was asked to be Track Manager and Tech Director because he knew all the ins and outs of the racing industry. From this position he came full circle in his racing career. Beginning in 1968, Byron raced his own cars in partnership with Rick Harless. Since 2011, he has been in partnership with Darrell Walker.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Nancy Byrd Edwards; his son, Phillip B. Edwards and wife Sandra of Paducah; grandson, Justin Edwards of Clarksville, Tenn.; and two special four-legged friends – Wally and Susie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edwards and Loretta Hill Edwards Faughn.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Bro. Charles Baker officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.