David Ross Hedrick

David Ross Hedrick of Issaquah, WA died peacefully at home on the morning of June 9th, 2015, at the age of 62. David was born in High Point, NC, the son of Earl Hedrick Jr. and Juanita Cox Hedrick. He graduated from Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City, NC and earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. David lived and worked as a Human Resources Manager in the Charlotte, NC area for more than 20 years, and recently realized his dream of moving to the Seattle, WA area to become a full-time musician. He produced three albums, which were mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK and was working on a fourth. David is survived by his wife Jody (Jo Ella Mullins); children: Richard Hedrick, Kristen Day and husband Matt, Rachel Arant and husband Jeffrey and grandson Nathan, Drew (Andrew) Hedrick and wife Nicolet and grandsons Riley and Ben, Brian Hedrick, Justin Hedrick; stepson Joey Kelley and wife Heather; goddaughters Nan (Jennifer Nan) Wilkenfeld and husband Seth, Liz (Elizabeth) McGuire and husband Andrew; sister Lynne Roff and husband Dick Sanders; numerous cousins and family members. His love for Jody was deep and indescribably beautiful. He was her best friend and her biggest cheerleader - encouraging her to try new things, travel to new places, seek out and successfully take on any challenge that came her way. Together they traveled to many parts of the world, hiking or climbing in the UK, Ireland, Europe, China, Nepal and Mexico. David guided them to several summits in the U.S., including Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood. He would do anything to which he put his mind and would encourage others to do the same. David touched so many lives, and like his father and mother, never met a stranger. He was extremely proud of his children and loved sharing stories about his family and his adventures. He had a passion for life and lived it deeply. David was caring and generous to everyone he met. Anyone who spoke with David for more than five minutes would feel as if they had known him and his family all their lives. He was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear and offer heartfelt advice. Those whose lives he touched along the way will remember his kind words of wisdom: "Always chase your dreams and don't be afraid to make mistakes or fail along the way." A brief graveside memorial will be held Saturday June 20th at 4:00pm in Oaklawn Cemetery, Asheboro, NC. Following the memorial, a celebration of David's life, children, family and friends will be held at the home of Ed and Nancy Bunch, at 1833 Lake Country Drive Extension, Asheboro, NC 27205. David's desire would have been that in lieu of flowers, you would contribute to his newly established scholarship via givenow.appstate.edu - specify "David Ross Hedrick Scholarship for Music Industry Studies" in the comment box, or mail to: Appalachian State University, Hayes School of Music Dev Office, ASU Box 32176, Boone, NC 28608.