Bill D Hedrick

Bill D. Hedrick

Bill D. Hedrick, 91, of Kilgore, completed his earthly journey, in his home surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 6, 2023. Funeral services for Mr. Hedrick will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, with Rev. Riley Pippen officiating. Interment will follow in Danville Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service.

Bill was born on July 8, 1931, in Reeds Spring, MO, to Lem and Gertrude Hedrick. During the Great Depression, Bill’s family, which included 13 siblings, had to relocate to East Texas as they followed the oil field. Because he was one of 14 children, and came from a working family, Bill had a very strong work ethic and was a hard worker for all of his life. Bill worked in the oilfield and had various jobs throughout his career. He started with being a long-distance truck driver, until he became a supervisor salesman for Big M Construction Company, from which he retired.

Bill married Anna Bess in 1950 and they spent the next 72 years making many loving and happy memories. They made their lifetime home in Kilgore, where they raised four sons that were their strength and joy in life. Bill was a long-time faithful member of Forest Home Baptist Church, since 1958. Bill was capable of completing any project that was needed. He will be remembered especially for his lawn care and achieving the “perfect” yard. Bill was not only a hard worker, but he also loved his family with all of his being, and he did all that he could for them.

Bill and Anna Bess were reunited just 26 days following her going home to be with the Lord. He was also reunited with his parents, brothers Boyd, Jack, James, Lewis, and Glen Hedrick, sisters Ruby Johnson, Edith Allen, Jessie Ligon, Georgia Morris, Freda Pritchard, Barbara Ramey, and Patsy Nye

Left to cherish his memory are his, sons, Bill, Dale (Laura), David, Don (Jana) all of Kilgore; grandchildren, Anna (Steven), Karl, Lisa (Joey), Jena (Scott), Leanne (Brian), Bret, Brittany (Lance); great-grandchildren, Christopher (Kristy), Jackson, Kailyn, Grady; and brother Buck Hedrick. Also, left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Hospice of East Texas for their loving, compassionate and excellent care of Bill during the final days of his earthly journey.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his name to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75701; hospiceofeasttexas.org.