Robert Jerry Hedrick

Robert Jerry Hedrick, age 89, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026 after a brief illness and a long, full life.

Bob was born and raised in Statesville, NC. He graduated from Erskine College and went on to receive his Ph.D in Chemistry at the University of Virginia. It was there he met and, in 1960, married Nina, his lifelong love and wife of 65 years. They moved their growing family to Kingsport in 1968, where he built a career as a chemist at Eastman Chemical until his retirement in 1999. Though he had earned the title of Dr. Hedrick, he always preferred simply Bob.

Bob found that retirement suited him. A lifelong sports enthusiast-both as a participant and a youth coach-especially enjoyed tennis, Virginia and Clemson athletics, and Orioles baseball. In later years, Bob and Nina shared a love of travel, exploring both the U.S. and destinations abroad, before happily turning their attention homeward, where time with their grandchildren and gardening brought them the greatest joy. Bob devoted himself to family, rarely missing an opportunity to attend school events, games, and milestones for his five grandchildren. When Nina developed her passion as a Master Gardener, he eagerly joined her, and together they transformed their backyard into a beautiful, flourishing garden that brought them both immense pride and joy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Brady Hedrick and Nell Payne Hedrick and his beloved daughter, Sandra Hedrick Faw.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Regina (“Nina”); his children, Jerry Hedrick, Danny Hedrick (Cynthia), and Carol Hedrick Whiting; his grandchildren, Sandra Nixon (Dylan), Abbey Gillispie (Trevor), Robert Whiting, Brook Whiting, and Erin Thompson (Palmer); his great-grandchildren, Micah Nixon and Beckett Gillispie; and his siblings, Glenda Hedrick Williams and Gene Hedrick.

Bob Hedrick will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, sharp intellect, and unwavering devotion to his family. His greatest legacy is the family he cherished so deeply, who will carry his memory forward with love and honor.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm – 3:30pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, with a Memorial service taking place from 2:00pm – 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Nina Hedrick, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.