Rev. Edwin H Hedgpeth

Rev. Edwin Harold Hedgpeth, 94, passed away in Reidsville, NC, on April 12, 2026. Born October 14, 1931, in Columbus County, NC, to Clegg W. Hedgpeth and Wincie Atkinson Hedgpeth; he grew up on the family farm in Robeson County, NC, with his brothers Romulus and David, and sister Pearl, all deceased. His wife of 51 years, Connie Hepler Hedgpeth, passed away in 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Brewer (Mike) of Reidsville, his son, John M. Hedgpeth (Ty) of Wilmington, and grandsons Joshua Brewer and Tyler Brewer. He is also survived by many relatives, former neighbors, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Edwin enjoyed many interests, including planting flowers and tending his grape vines. He took wood carving classes at the Appalachian Folk School and enjoyed carving for many years. He loved going fishing, then telling the stories afterward. Edwin enjoyed music and learned to play the harmonica at a young age. Playing harmonica continued to bring joy to him and others even in the last week of his life.

Edwin found his love for the Lord and his calling to ministry as a teenager at his home church, Proctorville Baptist. He credits his parents and this church with giving him the foundation to serve others. He graduated from Orrum High School in 1950, Campbell College with an AA in 1952, Wake Forest College with a BA in 1954, and Southeastern Seminary with a MDiv in 1957. He completed post-graduate studies at the University of Ohio, Duke Divinity School, and Marshall University. He taught public school in Kentucky and Maryland, served as a chaplain of Oxford Orphanage in NC, served as a Volunteer Coordinator for Clay County, NC Social Services, and volunteered as a chaplain for Hospice.

His ministry began in Baptist churches in Weaverton, MD, followed by Smyrna in Whiteville, NC, and Truitt Memorial in Hayesville, NC. In 1975, he joined the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving many congregations until he retired in 1997 and moved to Zebulon, NC, where he was an active member of Zebulon United Methodist.

Following his wife's passing, Edwin moved to Elon, where he attended Elon First United Methodist, then later moved to Reidsville to be closer to family. In each community, Edwin continued to minister to people, still living out his purpose. He became known for his eloquent prayers, handwritten letters, and most of all, playing his harmonica. While his many harmonicas are silent now, those who enjoyed their melodies will remember Edwin, and all will never forget the warmth of his company. He was a devoted husband, an amazing father, a cherished grandad, a loyal friend, and a trusted guide.

2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing."

The family is thankful for the care provided to Edwin by Brookdale Reidsville, Penn Nursing Center, and Annie Penn Hospital.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to:
Zebulon United Methodist Church at 121 W Gannon Ave. Zebulon, NC 27597
Elon First United Methodist Church at 1630 Westbrook Ave. Elon, NC 27244
Proctorville Baptist Church at P.O. Box 40, Proctorville, NC 28340

The service to celebrate his life will be held at Zebulon United Methodist Church on May 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm.