John Richard Hedgepeth

HENDERSON- John Richard Hedgepeth, 91, of Poplar Creek Road, died Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Durham V.A. Hospital. Born May 6, 1932 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Isabel Ball Hedgepeth and Malcolm Kirkland Hedgepeth. John attended Dabney High School prior to entering into the United States Army in 1952. During his service, Staff Sergeant Hedgepeth fought in the Korean War, specifically in the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge and the Battle of The Punchbowl. He was a member of Poplar Creek Baptist Church and the owner and operator of Hedgepeth’s Welding and Repair. John found great joy in restoring WWII antique vehicles. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Poplar Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Tony Evans. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Thelma Strum Hedgepeth of the home; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Weldon Hedgepeth, Patricia Finch Hedgepeth; his brothers-in-law, Carlton Norwood, E.W. Ellis, Raymond Strum (Camilla), and Coen Strum; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Malcolm Gilbert Hedgepeth and Charles Ball Hedgepeth; and two sisters, Annie Laurie Hedgepeth Ellis and Gloria Patsy Hedgepeth Norwood. The family will receive friends following the service in the family life center of Poplar Creek Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Poplar Creek Baptist Church, 1371 Poplar Creek Road, Henderson, NC 27537.