Thomas Wade Hedrick

Thomas Wade Hedrick, 57, who was born in Hopewell, VA, the son of Billy and Lucy Boyd Hedrick, but was raised in Hawkins Co. Tennessee by his grandparents Bob and Dexter Coffey Hedrick, passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack March 3, 2020, in Sweetwater, TN. He had just celebrated his birthday and started a new job that he loved. “Tommy,” “Tom,” or “Poppy” served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Everyone who knew him, knew him as the hardest working person they knew. But most never saw how kind, selfless, giving and caring he was. You see, he was a handy man, diesel mechanic, block and brick mason, plumber, an electrician, and a builder. Anyone who needed a hand, was given a hand, without consideration for his time or their ability to pay. He was truly a selfless, unique individual. It must also be told that his kindness did not just extend to humans, but also to animals. He was in fact the “Critter Whisperer”. He hand raised sick and broken wayward animals who needed help. “Duckie”, “Goosie”, “Rocky” the squirrel, “Polly” possum, even a starving mother badger and her babies, and so many more, had fulfilling lives because of his compassionate heart. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 35 years, Melissa Karen Hedrick, and his fur babies Gizmo, Obi and Kiwi. He also leaves behind daughters, Bethany Braswell (Kandy Johnson), Laura Miller (Jim), grandkids Karie Braswell, Sam Miller, Sagan Miller, Bella Miller and one great granddaughter, Iris Rose Shatzer. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Louise “Lucy” Boyd Hedrick, sisters, Bennie Baugus, Shirley Moore, Nancy Worley, Roxanne Moore, brothers Rob and Toddy Hedrick. Brothers Benjamin Hedrick, and Roy Boyd preceded him in death. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 1:00P.M. until 2:00P.M. at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 P.M. in Kyker’s Chapel with full military honors provided by members of the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156, Monroe County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 93, and the Sweetwater American Legions Post 106. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Thomas Wade Hedrick

February 26, 1963 - March 3, 2020