Vernon Hedgepeth

   Mills Vernon Hedgepeth, 92, formerly of US 13 South, Eure, NC, and more recently of Gates House Assisted Living in Gatesville died Sunday, October 1, 2023.

   Mr. Hedgepeth was born in Gates County on May 6, 1931 and was the son of the late James George and Jacy Odell Eure Hedgepeth. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 49 years, Janet Askew “Jeanette” Hedgepeth; a sister, Dorothy Evans; and by his brother, J. Pollard Hedgepeth.

   Retired from the grocery industry where he worked in meat processing, he had been employed with Colonial Stores, Big Star, Giant Open Air Markets and Family Foods. After retirement, he worked part-time in recycling at the Gates Convenience Site.

   A member and deacon of Cool Spring Baptist Church where he had served as Superintendent of Sunday School and also taught classes, for many years he worked as the church’s custodian. An Army veteran of the Korean War era, he attained the rank of Corporal before his Honorable Discharge from service.

   Surviving are his children, Vicky Cherry (husband, Curtis) of Williamston, Melanie Storey (husband, Jerry) of Murfreesboro, Alice Harrell of Gatesville, Larry Hedgepeth (wife, Nancy) of Eure, and Gary Hedgepeth of Ahoskie; two sisters, Margaret Johnson of Gatesville and Detra Rose of Durham; 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and twin great-great-grandchildren due to be born in April.

   Following a private family graveside burial, a service in Celebration of his Life will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Cool Spring Baptist Church and will be officiated by Pastor Eric Bass and former pastor, Tommy Hayes. Friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Cool Spring Baptist Church, P.O. Box 10, Eure, NC 27935, or to Liberty Homecare & Hospice, 93 NC Highway 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.