Verne McCray Hedgpeth, Sr.'s Obituary
Verne McCray Hedgpeth, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully transitioned on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family at his home in Culpeper, Virginia.
Born on Wednesday, November 27, 1935, in Hollister, North Carolina, Verne was one of 22 siblings, a son to the late Johnnie and Viola Hedgepeth. At an early age, Verne dedicated his life to the Lord and he understood the values of hard work, resilience, and love for family.
Verne’s educational journey began in Halifax County Schools, and after moving to Washington, D.C., he attended Phelps High School. His passion for service led him to the United States Navy, where he served his country with pride stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Leary (Destroyer) touring through the Mediterranean. After his military service, he pursued further education at Rochester Institute of Technology and other technical institutions, mastering his craft as a Lithographer (Offset Cameraman). Through skill and dedication, he earned numerous awards and accolades, becoming one of the top professionals in his field in the Washington, D.C. area.
At just 14 years old, while serving as a crossing guard at Banneker High School, Verne met the love of his life, Laurie Nelson. Their love blossomed through heartfelt letters while he was stationed in the Navy, and at 21 years old, they vowed to spend a lifetime together. This April, they would have celebrated 69 years of marriage, a testament to their unwavering devotion. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four sons: Verne McCray Jr., Zachary, Eric, and Jacques, and sharing a life filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.
Beyond his career, Verne was a natural leader, dedicating time to his community as a Boy Scout Master in Washington, D.C., where he mentored and guided young minds with patience and wisdom.
After spending over 40 years in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Verne fell in love with the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and made Culpeper, Virginia, his home in retirement. There, he found peace and joy, spending his days surrounded by nature, cherished neighbors, volunteering at the Culpeper Methodist Church Food Bank, and enjoying time with his beloved wife.
Verne was more than his accomplishments—he was a cribbage master, an avid fisherman, a tennis enthusiast, and a loyal Washington Commanders fan, standing by his team no matter the season. He loved to cook, share stories, watch his favorite tv show Matlock, and, most of all, be with his loved ones. His contagious laugh and warm-hearted spirit brought light to every room, and his wisdom and kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Verne’s legacy is one of strength, love, and unwavering kindness. He is preceded in death by his parents and 15 of his siblings. He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory, including his devoted wife, Laurie Hedgpeth, and his four sons, Verne McCray Jr. (Yelba), Zachary (Gloria), Eric, and Jacques (JaJuan). He is also survived by his two sisters, Charlene and Sandy (Nathan), and his five brothers, Leonard (Gwen), Calvin (Jeannie), Quinton (Linda), Donnell (Gerri), and Michael (Bridget). His sisters-in-law, Elsie Hearns and Barbara Nelson, also mourn his passing. Verne was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren—Marcus, Jasmin, Matthew, Marc, Joy, Pierre, Courtney, Briana, and Ryan—and a beloved great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren. He is also remembered with love by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss him immensely.
Verne McCray Hedgpeth, Sr. was a man of great integrity, quiet strength, and boundless love. Though he has left this world, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. His laughter, wisdom, and kindness will never be forgotten.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA with Rev. Marie Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
The family invites those unable to attend in person to view via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODM2NzYzMDM0ODA2MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Interment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Verne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Verne?
Share a story where Verne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Verne you’ll never forget.
How did Verne make you smile?
