Edward Wooten Hedgepeth

Edward Wooten Hedgepeth, 74, of Beaufort, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Carteret Health Care.

A memorial service will be held 7:00 pm Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Munden Funeral Home Chapel in Morehead City with Rev. Patrick Whaley officiating.

Mr Hedgepeth was born on April 19, 1943 to Clinton Ray and Edith Wooten Hedgepeth in Greene County. The second child of four living children, by all accounts he was a lively son who made sure you knew he had arrived.

His early years were spent helping his family farm. In school he was active in drama, sports, and the yearbook. But it wasn’t until he graduated from high school at S. Lenoir High School that he grew into his own. Leaving home with only one suitcase and a willingness to work hard he enrolled in King’s College, graduated in Business Administration and was hired by same as their Administration Assistant to the President. It was about that time he met and married his wife, Martha Bond Hedgepeth.

Ed was fast at everything helping his family “top” tobacco, completing college significantly ahead of schedule and sweeping a young, somewhat naïve Georgia girl off her feet. They were married on March 1, 1963 in Raleigh, NC, just 19 years old they were on their own.

Planning for the future, Ed accepted a position in sales with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. When the railroads merged, he got a promotion and was sent to Raleigh, where they bought their first home. Shortly thereafter he was hired as a salesman for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company in Raleigh, where he excelled as an agent.

Ed was an avid golfer, winning several golf tournaments at the Raleigh Country Club. He was heavily involved with the Raleigh Jaycees in their community improvement works. He steadily rose through the ranks and became President of the Raleigh Jaycees, and eventually Vice President of the North Carolina Jaycees.

Prior to moving to Morehead City, Ed and Marty in the late 70’s were very politically involved in making things better in Wake County and the state of North Carolina. He was a very charitable person that loved to give to his community and the fellowman.

He is survived by his wife, Martha “Marty” Hedgepeth of the home; daughters, Kim Carter of Morehead City and Brandi Lancaster and husband Mike of James City; son, Bond Hedgepeth, Sr. and wife Kelly of Wilmington; mother, Edith Wooten Hedgepeth of Kinston; brothers, Charles Hedgepeth and wife Ella Mae of Middleton, NY and Richard Hedgepeth and wife Ronette of Hugo; sister, Lima Barnett and husband Hugh of Graham; grandchildren, Courtney Johnson and husband Kenneth of Charlotte, Addison Haskins and husband Matt of New Jersey, Ryan Carter and fiancée’ Lauren of Morehead City, Martha Hedgepeth of Wilmington, BJ Hedgepeth and fiancée’ Kendel of Wilmington, Beau Carter of Morehead City, Jarrett James “JJ”Carter of Wilmington; also numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifton Ray Hedgepeth.

The family will receive friends 6:00 – 7:00 pm prior to the service at Munden Funeral Home.

On lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VFW Auxilary Lodge #8986, Newport, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.