Rodrick Hedrick

Rodrick "Roddy" Hedrick, born on March 1, 1960, in Bluefield, West Virginia, passed away on March 7, 2026. He was the beloved minister at the Memorial Church of Christ in Princeton. Rod was a guiding light to many, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Beyond the pulpit, Rod found great joy in his work with the Raleigh County School System. As a bus driver, he took pride in being the first smiling face many children saw each morning. He truly loved "his" kids, and they brought him immense happiness. Rod also cherished the special bond he shared with his co-workers and the friendships he built.

Rod was a proud graduate of Bluefield High School, Class of 1978, where he made a name for himself not only through academics but as an outstanding baseball player. He attended Concord College in Athens, WV. As an avid outdoorsman he cherished opportunities to go hunting and fishing and found great joy in nature.

Family and friends fondly remember Rod as a God-fearing man. He took great pleasure in spending time with his family and friends, creating cherished memories that will live on in their hearts. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald H. Hedrick, and his mother, Myra Hedrick. Rod is survived by his loving wife, Carol Hedrick, of Beaver, WV, and his sister, Donna Ray, of Wichita, KS; children Sarah (Hedrick) and Shawn Redman of Shady Springs, WV and their children Braylon and Hadley, Tim and Mandi Hedrick of Raleigh, NC and their son Declan; nephew’s Austin Ray of Dallas, Texas and Adam Ray of Wichita, KS.

A visitation will be held on March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Homes in Bluefield, WV. This will be followed by a funeral service which will begin at 12:00 PM. Rod will then be laid to rest at Restwood Memorial Gardens in Hinton, WV, after the service.

Rod’s enduring spirit and loving nature will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. If you knew Rod you loved him; his ripple effect was huge. His legacy to share the good news of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was his passion with the goal to make heaven crowded. He always preached to be ready because you never know when it is your time.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is proud to serve the Hedrick family. In-lieu of flowers donations can be made to Memorial Church of Christ, 1169 New Hope Rd, Princeton, WV 24740.

Directions to where Rod will be laid to rest:

Restwood Memorial Gardens

2117 Madams Creek Road

Hinton, WV 25951

Once in downtown Hinton, take a left at Madam’s Creek Road. Go almost 3 miles. At the Restwood sign, take a right.