Donald Ray Hedrick

Donald Ray Hedrick, age 82, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Roswell, Georgia. He was born on June 9, 1943 in Lexington, North Carolina to the late Cicero Ray and Geneva Leonard Hedrick.

His family was the love of his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Cox on March 12th, 1966 in Lexington, NC. They had 2 children, Bryan Keith Hedrick, who preceded him in death and Kimberly Ann Gross (Scott) of Reno, NV. He had 3 grandchildren, Morgan Gross Roberts (Matthew), Jordan Ann Gross (fiancée Kanyon Combs), and Jacob Ryan Gross (Sofie Luciano). He is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Shirley Alexandra Cox.

Don lived by the motto “Do the right thing for the right reason”. He had a positive outlook and added a humorous twist to any situation even while sick. His smile was contagious and his love of life shone through to all that were blessed to be with him.

His love of golf began around 13 years old, where he caddied in his hometown of Lexington. He played and won many junior state and national tournaments. This passion earned him a golf scholarship to Wake Forest University where he was part of the 1963 ACC Championship team. He played with many professionals including Arnold Palmer, Hale Irwin, and Raymond Floyd. While stationed in France, he earned a spot to play in the French Open.

Don joined ROTC during college and after graduation, served our country as an officer in the US Army in France, Germany and Vietnam. He ended his military career as a Captain.

He obtained his master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio after returning from his service. His career was in various areas of Management Information Systems developing programs for more efficient production with Champion International Papers, US Plywood, Georgia Pacific, and IBM. His job took them to Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Once moving back to Georgia in 1988, he and Pat became very active members of the Willow Springs, now Country Club of Roswell golf and tennis community. He was a very competitive player in both tennis and golf and formed many lifelong friendships. Don wanted to give back to the members by serving as President, Treasurer and on the Board of Directors of the club.

Don loved to travel and plan extensive itineraries with his family. So many wonderful and unforgettable memories were made during every adventure. He was a very involved “Pop-Pop” and loved sharing his life lessons with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2026 at Country Club of Roswell, 2500 Club Springs Dr, Roswell, GA 30076 at 1:30 pm in the ballroom to celebrate Don's life and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Donald Ray Hedrick to the Northside Hospital Foundation for Prostate Cancer. https://give.northside.com/donald-hedrick-memorial/

To offer your condolences and share cherished memories, please visit www.roswellfuneralhome.com.