Carroll “Skinner” Hedrick, 90, passed away on Dec. 5, 2023.
He was born on Aug. 12, 1933, in Upper Tract to the late Alton Parker Hedrick and Mary Ruhama Harold. He lost his father when he was just six weeks old. His mother raised the family with love and the kindness of his Grandma Hattie and Grandaddy Bill Harold.
Mr. Hedrick attended the Upper Tract Grade School and graduated from Franklin High School in 1952.
Growing up, he played in the woods and creek and worked on many nearby farms for money or sometimes just a delicious meal. He loved telling stories about his adventures in this special part of the world.
In 1953, he entered the United States Air Force. During his four years of service, he trained and worked as a mechanic specializing in aircraft avionics. This knowledge took him to Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Taiwan.
After his military service, he was employed by Capital Airlines in Washington, DC, as an airline avionics mechanic. Capital Airlines merged with United Airlines and he was off to California to continue his career and raise his growing family. He worked at the San Francisco Airport. He retired in 1995 as a lead mechanic from United Airlines after 40 years of service. During his time at United, he attended Mission College in California, studying psychology.
After retirement from United Airlines, he helped care for his beloved grandson, Parker.
In 2002, he returned to West Virginia where he enjoyed being with family, seeing old friends and making new ones, and being blessed by wonderful neighbors.
He truly enjoyed spending his retirement years back home in Upper Tract. The kindness of many wonderful friends will never be forgotten. He was especially grateful for the companionship and assistance from Nancy Sites and Bob Vance.
Mr. Hedrik was active in the American Legion, Franklin, VFW Post 6454, Petersburg, and the Franklin Moose 769. He was a member of the Pendleton County Historical Society and National Rifle Association and a lifelong member of the West Virginia CCC Camp Museum. He volunteered as treasurer for Cherry Hill Cemetery for many years.
In 1957, he married Patricia Borror Hedrick. Together they raised three sons, Stephen Craig, Mark Allen, and Bart William.
He is survived by Patricia “Tish” Hedrick; sons, Stephen Craig (Linda), Mark Allen (Jo-Anne); grandson, Parker; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Leta Virginia Decker, Bonnie Lou Mowery and Bruce Parker Hedrick; and his son, Bart William of San Jose, California.
Deepest thanks goes to the outstanding caregivers who helped him through these past years: Joanna Blare, Terri Grogg, Mary Propst, Leana Leap, Doris Dunn and Debbie Turner. Appreciation to the wonderful Home Care Team from Petersburg Veterans Administration and Grant County Hospice. His wish was to remain in his home and each person helped to make that happen.
His family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Gary Phillips and Rev. Stanley Kile officiating. Entombment will be in Cherry Hill Cemetery in Upper Tract.
Memorials may be made to Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.