George Steven (Steve) Hedgpeth of Raeford, died Saturday, September 17, 2016 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital at the age of 71.
He was born in Robeson County on July 23, 1945, to the late Murray Vardell Hedgpeth and Blanche Floyd Hedgpeth. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Charles Hedgpeth and Bobby Hedgpeth.
He was well known in Hoke County. He was outgoing and generous. He was an outstanding Hoke High athlete, playing varsity football all four years and wrestling in the state championship. He attended Pembroke College. He was a dedicated son and cherished husband, father, "Papa," and friend. He had varied interests and served the community in a number of ways.He was a volunteer firefighter and North Raeford Fire Department trustee; owner and operator of Raeford Floral Company; and a Hoke County magistrate, retiring as chief magistrate having served Hoke County for 33 years. In addition he was a produce farmer, grocer, and substitute teacher. He was also co-owner of Hedgpeth Farms and Greenhouses. He enjoyed working in the garden, cooking for his family, playing harmonica, camping in the North Carolina Mountains, fishing, and quail hunting. He was a dedicated Christian, serving Bethel Presbyterian Church as deacon, elder, longtime choir member and Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane Huckabee Hedgpeth of Raeford; two sons, Woody Hedgpeth and his wife Esther of Raeford and Steven Hedgpeth of Raeford; a daughter, Becky Morris and her husband Jeff of Raeford: two grandchildren, Kylie Morris and Alexander Hedgpeth; and two brothers, Jimmy Hedgpeth of Laurinburg and Vardell Hedgpeth and his wife Janeth of Raeford.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 20 6-8 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Bethel Presbyterian Church with the Rev. James Wilhide and the Rev. Sanders Read officiating. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 2128, Raeford, NC 28376.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com