Tommy Raymond Hedrick, 83, of Statesville, N.C., passed from this life to glory surrounded by family at his home on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He lived a full life of love, laughter, and telling so many wonderful stories to be shared by the legacy he leaves behind.

He was born July 31, 1941, in Catawba County and was the son of the late Raymond Pinkney Hedrick and Nora Goble Hedrick Ikerd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Ray Hedrick

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Sigmon Hedrick of Statesville; son, Ritchie Hedrick (Barbara) of Statesville; daughter, Dana Hedrick Clippard (Billy) of Statesville; daughter, Joy Hedrick Lowery (Dennis) of Statesville; daughter, Tammy Hedrick Blaj (Emanuel) of Hickory; sister-in-law Jeannette Gantt of Conover; niece, Beverly G. Davis of Hickory; nephews, Bradley Gantt and Bobby Gantt of Conover, and Michael Sigmon of Newton. He had close friends that he treated like sons, Scotty Hedrick (Cassandra) of Claremont, Jackie Drum (Paula) of Maiden, and Sam Price of Catawba.

In addition, he leaves a legacy of grandchildren, including Joshua Hedrick (Areial), Katherine Hedrick Arellano (Alonso), Patricia Hedrick, Billy Paul Clippard (Molly), Lynsey Clippard Lopez (Eddie), Christian Lowery, Rebeca Blaj (Deyshaun), Sara Blaj and Lidia Blaj; and great grandchildren, Gabriel, Isabella, Damaren, Jase, Nathan, Adrian, and Isaias.

Also surviving to share in his memory are his favorite cousin Carl “Red” Hedrick and wife Connie. He would often tell the story of how his family was poor growing up, but Red was “dirt” poor. His dear friends, Javier and Norma Chavez, who the family can thank for all the black plastic boxes, which we continue to use for pretty much everything. Tommy made sure Javier got his eggs that were collected during the week. You all helped throughout the years to keep the Hedrick farm going.

As for this special man known as Daddy, Pops, Papaw, Papaw Tractor, Donkey Man, and Tommy, he wasn’t considered a preacher even though he could preach a sermon. He wasn’t called an evangelist even though he evangelized for Jesus everywhere he went. He loved Southern Gospel music but would throw into the mix some Buddy Holly, The Four Seasons and Brenda Lee. But more than this, he understood the meaning of Acts 20:35 (NIV) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And give, he did.

He taught us how to laugh, how to love, how to give, how to care, how to be patient, the meaning of hard work, how to trade, the best way to pluck a chicken, skin a deer, and milk a goat. There are not enough words to express who he was.

All the many wonderful people who were blessed to have graced his presence and truly know him would all agree that this red-headed, freckle face, country boy grew up and made a difference for Jesus. And if he could stand before us today, he would say, don’t wait to give your heart to Christ. Jesus truly is the way, the truth, and the life.

As we continue to grieve his passing, he would remind us of this:

John 14:1-3 (NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

A celebration of life will be held at Troutman Funeral Home in Troutman, N.C., on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.