Birth date: Aug 31, 1930 Death date: Jan 1, 2019
You ran the risk, entering a store anywhere around Charlotte with Vernon E. Hedrick, of unexpectedly adding an extra 15 minutes to the chore. For he'd meet one of the hundreds of players this life-long basketball coach and educato Read Obituary
RIP Coach
I had the privilege and honor of being taught Driver's Ed by Coach, as many others have. My condolences to the family!
I was very young child growing up in Maiden NC in the 1960’s. Coach Hedrick and the late Bill Barefoot, were Giants around that campus. Coach Hedrick never lost his love and passion for Maiden High, and left an endearingly legacy by the youngsters he coached. He continued to provided us with lasting memories and memorabilia. He was an astute record keeper. 31 years of coaching and Athletic Administration later, I still have an endearing respect for Coach Hedrick.
Butch Parker (retired)
Maiden High School
Growing up next door to Coach was a blessing!
Coach and Ms. Hedrick were always there for me throughout the years. But Coach was not just a neighbor; he was a mentor, teacher, Coach, realtor, friend and supporter through the many years. His love for Audrey was insurmountable. I enjoyed having him as a Sunday School teacher and later in life we served on the same boards at church. In Driver's Ed he taught me the three point turn and he was the first one to show up when I wrecked in front of our homes on Delchester. He was the quintessential neighbor who had the best kept yard and won the "Yard Of The Month" many times throughout the 20 plus years. When I purchased the Hedrick's long time home to be near my ailing father (George Schuette) I tried to keep "his yard" the way he did, perfect. Vernon would stop by the house and share memories of my growing up as well as many memories of Julie and Eric in the home which now I shared with my son, Ethan. We always enjoyed coffee together and many laughs. He never even got upset with me when I picked his prized Iris out of his garden to give to my mom or let my horse graze in his front yard. On trips to Lenoir Rhyne through the years he would tell me certain places to seek out and learn about, this became a ritual for annual visits. In my father's and mother's passing he showed up with a calm sense of peace for me and reminded me of the good times. He was always so proud of Olympic and took great care of his teams over the years, even when his house was TP'd multiple times by "the crew".
What a life well lived and lived the right way....
Julie and Eric you all are in my thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time but I cannot think of another person who got as much out of life as Coach V.
RIP Coach, here's to a life well lived!
Eric have been thinking of you during the last few days. I thought a lot of Vernon. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Prayers
Linda Howe
My love and prayers for your family. Coach Hedrick! A life well lived indeed! Always a smile. Always ready to conversate! My favorite memory of Coach Hedrick was at Olympic High. Like many others he taught me to drive, although that almost didn't happen. I took drivers' ed in the summertime and my mom took me to OHS to drop me off. Coach Hedrick was waiting in front of the school. My mom rolled through the circle drive and then jumped the curb in her VW bus. Coach jumped back about a foot and then laughed! He said he wasn't sure if he was able to teach me to drive! I was totally embarrassed. He and my mom had a great laugh about it all for a few years. Eventually I did too! Thank you Coach! See you in Heaven!
Eric and Julie - I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Vernon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this period. I have very fond memories of your father growing up in South Charlotte, and I know he was well liked and respected.
Our hearts go out to each of you!
Terry Jeffers & Donna
Coach Hedrick was a favorite to all who had the pleasure of knowing him at Olympic even if you didn’t play a sport.
I’ll always remember how he corrected me during driver’s ed. training. I grew up on the farm driving at a very early age and got in the car, grabbed the steering wheel with one hand ready to go and he said, “OK Boyd, 10 and 2, we’re not on the farm.”
He knew everyone and took such pride in the school and community.
I know he will be missed and he is forever in our hearts and memories.
Peace,
Bonnie Boyd Maready
Coach Hedrick was a friend to all. John & I saw him many times at the Charlotte Hornet games. He thought me driver’s ed. I remember one time he told me to turn right out of the bus parking lot and we went across the football field. Prayers to his family. One of my favorite teachers. 🙏❤️
Eric, Julie and family so sorry for the passing of your father. We always loved when Uncle Vernon came by to see us on Sunday. We always tried to get him to eat but of course he had already ate at the Tally House or Bojangles on his way here. He always entertained us with his pictures and history of the Hedricks and Lails. We've missed seeing him on Sundays. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you and your families.
