Jerry Thomas Hedrick

Mr. Jerry Thomas Hedrick, 84, of Rutherford College, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Amorem Hospice of Valdese, following a period of declining health.

Jerry was born on August 26, 1941, in Catawba County to the late Thomas Eugene Hedrick and Elizabeth Martin Hedrick. He was a longtime member of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church and was retired from General Electric after 30 years of service. Following retirement, he was employed at CVS in Rutherford College for several years, where he made many new friends. Jerry was also highly involved in helping establish the Wright’s Food Pantry Ministry, at Abernethy Memorial UMC, which has helped serve the community for many years now.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Clark Scot Earwood, and by two brothers, Bob Hedrick and Joe Hedrick.

Surviving is his beloved wife, Linda Derreberry Hedrick of the home, one daughter, Elaine Hedrick Jenkins and husband Greg of Blacksburg, VA, three grandchildren: Anna Jenkins of Brooklyn, NY, Claire Jenkins of Auburn, AL and William Jenkins of Blacksburg, VA. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church, with Rev. Slice Penny officiating. Interment will follow at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory, with family member Rev. Roger Derreberry officiating.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Abernethy Memorial UMC in Rutherford College.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Wright’s Food Pantry, c/o Abernethy Memorial UMC, P.O. Box 127, Rutherford College, NC 28671.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Hedrick family.