Donald Lee Hedrick, 59, of Franklin passed away on March 31, 2025, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia, after a courageous battle against cancer during the last year.
He was born on Nov. 21, 1965, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the son of Zelda M. (Legg) Butterworth and Thomas of Sugar Grove and the late Edward Paul Hedrick
Mr. Hedrick was a 1985 graduate of Franklin High School and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union and a former member of the Franklin Moose Lodge #769.
He was a valiant veteran of the United States Army and National Guard and reflected his lifelong dedication to the military. He served in the U.S. Army as an M1A1 Armor Crewman from 1986 to 1992, and was full-time active duty, stationed in Germany. Following his discharge from the Army, he served with the Virginia Army National Guard, serving as a team leader, squad leader, and a platoon sergeant from 1997 to 2013 and proudly worked as a recruiter from 2004 to 2005. During his duty in the Army National Guard, he was deployed to Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
After his military retirement, he had worked various jobs including Tenneco Automotive, Graham Packaging Corporation, two-term Pendleton County Sheriff, Artisian Packaging, and most recently employed by Danone.
He enjoyed many things in life, including hunting, fishing, and playing video games. But, his true passion was his family, especially his girls. He was honored to be called dad and was dedicated to providing and supporting them in everything they were involved in, particularly being a devoted sports dad. His legacy of love will be embedded in their hearts forever.
On June 5, 1999, he married Amber Lee (May) Hedrick, who survives.
In addition to his wife and mother, he leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Emilee Brooke Hedrick and Katelyn Grace Hedrick, both of Franklin; a sister, Sharon “Sherry” Hedrick; two brothers, Edward Paul Hedrick, Jr. and Charles Vernon Hedrick (Lisa); mother-in-law, Linda May; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his precious son, Matthew Lee Hedrick (Feb. 24, 2003).
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Basagic Funeral Home chapel in Franklin with Bishop Jed Hartman officiating. Interment was in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors conducted by the U.S. Army.
Memorials may be made to The Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach, PO Box 1225, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or to WVARNG Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention (R3SP) Program.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
