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Sunday, April 8, 2018

Earl B. Hendrix

Earl Brown Hendrix, 85, of Raeford passed away peacefully at First Health Hospice House on April 7, 2018.
He was born in Hoke County on October 23rd, 1932 to the late James Robert Hendrix Sr. and Maggie McDonald Hendrix. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 64 years Hazel McMillan Hendrix, his son Kenneth Earl Hendrix, and his brothers James Jr., Lacy, Samuel, Fred and James Arthur Hendrix.
He moved with his family to their farm in Hoke County when he was four years old. He followed his father to the family farm and became a leading figure in North Carolina agribusiness. He served on numerous agricultural boards including the N.C. Soybean Board for over two decades where he was a founding director, the N.C. Wheat Board, N.C. Small Grain Growers Association, and the Hoke County Soil and Water Board. He received numerous awards for his success in agriculture and his work to leave a legacy for future generations, including the American Soybean Association 2008 Regional Conservation Legacy Award.  He also served as the Hoke County Farm Bureau president since 1992. He was Progressive Farmer’s 1998 and 1999 Man of the Year for Service in N.C. Agriculture, and N.C. Sunbelt Farmer of the Year in 1999. In 1993, he was N.C. Department of Agriculture Friend of Agriculture. He and his family were the N.C. Extension Service’s Outstanding Farm Family in 1987 and he was the Conservation Farmer of the year in 1987. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1959.
He was a lifelong member of Raeford United Methodist Church where he was a leader in the Bob Lewis Sunday School Class. He taught children’s Sunday School and helped with the children during Vacation Bible School. He served on the Trustee and Finance committees and the Church Council. He treasured his church and his church family. He had a zest for life and was a man of strong faith and values. He was a good friend to many in the community and across the state. He served as a member of the local National Guard unit for eight years alongside many of his classmates, reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class before leaving the service to concentrate on the family farm’s growth. He had a strong love for God, his country and his community. His family was at the center of his life. Papa, or Pop, as he was affectionately known by his children and grandchildren will be dearly missed.  
He felt blessed to have experienced love again at the advanced age of 85. He and Connie, former classmates, and lifelong friends, found each other and married on December 17, 2017.
He leaves behind his wife Connie Fulk Ellis-Hendrix; son, Gary Allen Hendrix and his wife, Lynn of Raeford; daughter Tammie Hendrix Coxe and her husband, Mack of Raeford; his grandchildren, William, Matthew and his wife Stephanie, Evan and his wife Cortney, Sydney, John Arthur, Megan, and Robert; and his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Hannah, Jacob, and Stacy. He also leaves behind his beloved five “puppies” who helped to keep him active during Hazel’s long illness.
Visitation will be held on Monday April 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford. The funeral will be held Tuesday April 10 at 11 a.m. at Raeford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Wingo officiating. Burial will be in Highland Biblical Gardens.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Raeford United Methodist Church, 308 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376 or First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com