Raymond Wallace 'Butch' Edge, Jr.

Raymond Wallace “Butch” Edge, Jr., 71, of Meadville, passed peacefully away at home on December 12, 2022.

He was born in Meadville, PA to Raymond Edge, Sr., and Mary Maxine (Johnson) Edge on January 15, 1951.

Raymond was a 1969 graduate of Kearny High School in San Diego, CA. He often spoke fondly of the drives that his family would take between California and Pennsylvania when he was young. He even had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii after high school, which he spoke of with fondness. These opportunities to travel offered him the chance to experience the beauty of the country, while also maintaining a strong connection with the area of Pennsylvania he would later call home several times.

Raymond married Diane Elizabeth (Crytzer) Edge on August 26, 1978. They lived in several different locations as jobs changed and their family grew, eventually settling in Waldorf, Maryland.

He had a long and successful career in retail, which included time with Franklin stores and Montgomery Ward. Raymond began working with Kmart, by helping to open the store that was previously in Meadville, PA and achieving success by rising to become a store manager in both Virginia and Maryland. He was so well-respected by the company that he would be sent to underperforming stores within the area to revitalize their operations and bring them back to profitability. He was also known for organizing epic company picnics and beloved by his fellow employees, who often spoke of his kindness and humor. He remained with the company until his retirement.

Following retirement, Raymond and Diane returned to Pennsylvania to settle in Meadville, surrounded by family, friends and several very well-loved pets. He enjoyed having the chance to keep the memories of his family alive by attending many family reunions. He also loved to socialize at his favorite local restaurants every week and catch up with his longtime friends and members of their community.

Along with his big smile and quick wit, Raymond was also a man of many interests. He was an avid movie fan, whose favorites included The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book, South Pacific, Willow and The Secret Garden. He enjoyed listening to the music of his youth, which he shared with his children. He also was someone with a limitless thirst for random trivia knowledge that led him to often being found with a book in his hands.

Raymond is survived by his two children – Heather Lang (Jason) and Patrick Edge – and granddaughter, Ryhanna Lang. He also had many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews – Jaime Hughes, Adriane Doubet (Shad), Travis Crytzer, Sequoia Whitmer (Sam), Jeremy Crytzer (Rebecca), Sara Schultz (Rob), and Kurt Crytzer (Alexis), and great nieces and nephews – as well as other extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane [Oct 2, 2022] sister, Sharron (Edge) McMillin and her husband, Kenneth (Kenny) McMillin and both of his parents.

Calling hours will be Saturday, December 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where the funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Denny Milford officiating.  The funeral service will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/raymond-edge-jr

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net