Hedrick Arthur
October 13, 1935 — June 6, 2010
Hedrick D. Arthur, 74, of Bettie, died at Carolina East Medical Center on Sunday, June 6, 2010 following a difficult illness.
He was born on Friday, October 13, 1935 to the late James Ivey and Gieula Arthur. He graduated from Smyrna High School in 1953. Following graduation, Hedrick joined the U.S. Coast Guard serving at many duty stations from Ketchikan, AK to Miami, FL and South Viet Nam. Hedrick retired after 20 years 13 days of service on September 1, 1973 having attained the rank of Master Chief Engineman and acquiring numerous awards and commendation.
Hedrick returned back home in Bettie with his wife Hazel Gilgo Arthur and three children. He worked briefly at the Western Auto in Morehead City before joining the NC Ferry Division and then the Army Corps of Engineers. A staunch Democrat, he served as Precinct Chairman for many years until his health prevented him from doing so.
Hedrick, affectionately known as "Chief" or "Pop", is survived by his wife, Hazel Gilgo Arthur of 56 years, his daughter YoVonne Arthur Lewis and her husband Gray of Bettie; his sons, Hedrick Dalton and James Cecil both of Bettie; three grandchildren, Jordan Drew Lewis of Greenville, Kristi Arthur Paylor and her husband Richie, and Karli Arthur Burney; one step-grandson Gray Lewis, Jr and his wife Lisa; two great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Grace Burney and Grayson Kristine Lewis; one brother Jack O'Neal Arthur of Rocky Mount and various nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Audrey Whitehurst and Opal Robinson; three brothers, Robert Dalton, James Rumley, Ronnie Bruce and an infant sister.
Hedrick was a member of Woodville Missionary Baptist Church where he initiated a van ministry for Children and served as a greeter and usher for many years.
Funeral services for Hedrick will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, June 10th at Woodville Missionary Baptist (Bettie). The Reverand Terry D. McInnis, pastor, Dr. Michael Blevins, and Rev. Tom Willoughby will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodville Gardens Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome at Woodville Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to A.C.T.S. Food Pantry, 117 Arthur Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516 or Woodville Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 450 Hwy 70, Beaufort, NC 28516.