A Time To Be Born - William Franklin Hedgebeth Sr. was born on February 3, 1939, in Plymouth, North Carolina, the son of Edgar Holley and Clara Weston Hedgebeth. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters: Mary Elizabeth McDonald (Vernon), Vivian Hedgebeth Ricardo (Joseph), Virginia Pearl Johnson (Johnnie), Gloria Gadsden (James); two brothers: Thomas Hedgebeth (Faustina) and Isaiah Hedgebeth; and a granddaughter, Yolanda Shanee Sanders.

A Time To Live - William attended Edenton Public Schools in Edenton, North Carolina. In 1969, William moved from the small town of Edenton, North Carolina to High Point, North Carolina in pursuit of a better future for his wife and family. He attended Guilford Technical Institute receiving his welding certification. William was a loyal employee of Richmond Engineering in Colfax, North Carolina for 29 years. In 1972, William and Viola purchased a new home overflowing with love, laughter, and shared dreams. William loved spending time with his family. He was an avid gardener and landscaper. He enjoyed creating African accent molds and watching old Westerns. William had a strong desire for entrepreneurship. In 1982, to further enhance opportunities for their families William and his brother Jimmie launched F & J Wholesale, Inc.

A Time To Love - On November 4, 1967, William was joined in holy matrimony to the devoted Viola Wright Hedgebeth, whom he affectionately called “honeybee”. God blessed this union with four beautiful daughters: Glenda Hedgebeth, Floretta H. Carter (Barry), Laurie H. Allen (Scottie), and Angela Perry (the late Robert Louis Perry). William and Viola were married for 57 years. William’s greatest pride and joy was his grandchildren, whom he nurtured with an abundance of love, instilling in them values of integrity, resilience, and compassion. His unwavering presence and support shaped their lives and inspired them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. William implanted his mantra with his grandchildren “Don’t start a fire you can’t put out.” His enduring legacy will continue to guide and inspire his precious grandchildren: Vonte, Rebecca, Barry (Janae), Brandon, Kierra, and Angel his pride and joy, and future generations to come.

A Time To Serve - William was a devoted and active member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and a member of the Willing Worker committee for 26 years. He served at Hallelujah Baptist Church on the Advisory Board for 13 years. Until his passing, William was affiliated with Love, Faith, and Hope Ministries under the leadership of Bishop William Buckson.

A Time To Die - William Franklin Hedgebeth Sr. was called home in the early hours on Friday, July 5, 2024, at his residence. William was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he always hoped it would be.

A Time To Mourn - William leaves to cherish his precious memory a loving wife, Viola Wright Hedgebeth; six dedicated daughters, Phyllis Hedgebeth of Elizabeth City, NC., Frieda Wills of Greensboro, NC., Glenda Hedgebeth of Thomasville, NC, Floretta H. Carter (Barry) of High Point, NC., Laurie H. Allen (Scottie) of High Point, NC., and Angela Perry (the late Robert Louis Perry) of Jamestown, NC; two sons, Larry Wills of Maryland (Sandy) and William Hedgebeth Jr. of Winston Salem, NC; one sister, Clara Allen of The Bronx, NY, and one brother he adored, Dr. James E. Hedgebeth (the late Annie Hedgebeth) of Durham, NC; three brothers-in-law: Abraham Smalls (Wanda) and Mikell Smalls, both of South Carolina, and Terry Smalls of Florida; eight sisters-in-law: Frances Anderson (Moses), Mary Smalls (the late Nathan Smalls), Deloris Mitchell (Derryl), Janie Miller (Adam), Sheryl Rivers (Johnnie), and Sandra Smith (Michael), all of South Carolina, Hazel Redden (George) of Texas, and Leslie Peterson (Timp) of Georgia; ten adorable grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

PER THE FAMILY'S REQUEST, PLEASE SEND POTTED PLANTS OR A MONETARY DONATION.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.