Arnold J. Hedgpeth

May 24, 1950 - November 12, 2022

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Obituary For Arnold J. Hedgpeth

Arnold J. Hedgpeth, 72, of Jacksonville, passed away on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 24, 1950, to the late Marie Pierson and Arthur J. Hedgpeth.

Arnold is survived by his 3 sons; Danny Hedgpeth, Nick Hedgpeth and Joe Hedgpeth. He is also survived by his siblings, Brothers; Arthur Hedgpeth and Lamont Hedgpeth, Sisters; Jean Richardson and Kimberly Macry. He is also survived by his 3 grandsons; Nicholas, Matthew and Jason, and his 2 beloved granddaughters, Kendall and Kylie.

When Arnold wasn’t fishing or hunting, he was spending time with his family. During his last few months on Earth, he looked forward to and loved “Pop Pop Day”; every Sunday, he would make a special visit to spend time with his granddaughters, where they spent the entire day together. Kendall and Kylie were the light of his life and motivation to continue on.

Arnold is a 24-year, Retired CW3 Army veteran. He joined the US Army as a private in 1968; later deployed and completed a tour in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star. While in the US Army, he was in Military Intelligence. Arnold worked his way up to SFC (E-7) then joined the officer world as a Chief Warrant Officer, later earning and retiring from the rank of CW3. Arnold was a secret agent in and out of service and a Top Private Investigator after retirement.

He met his first wife, Jacquline Collins, in the British Army where they fell in love at first sight in Germany. They then started a family; Joe in 1980, Nick in 1983 and Daniel in 1989. Arnold’s dedication and honor to his country inspired his youngest son, Daniel, to join the US Army as a combat medic where he spent a year in Taliban heartland and later retired out of the Army with only 6 years of service. Daniel was awarded the ARCOM with Valor on November 12th, 2011. Arnold is a member of the Haliwa Saponi Tribe located in Hollister, NC. He also did Karate for 20+ years where he earned a Black Belt. Arnold was a loving and dedicated Son, Father, Brother, Friend and Pop-Pop. He will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 at 5PM at Johnson Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Service with Full Military Honors at 6PM with Chaplain Fox officiating.

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  • January 11, 2024

    I knew 'Chief' Hedgpeth at the end of his career, at Fort Gordon. It was my privilege to be his supervisor. He was a very good man. I greatly admired and respected him. And I knew, that while I was still toddling around in cloth diapers, Chief was serving in Vietnam; so I knew my place and gave him the respect he earned. We got along so well. Sometime after he retired, he sent me a letter, which I still have and cherish. And although we lost touch, in it he invited me stop in and see him, anytime I'm in Jacksonville. Today, as I prepare to visit my own son at Camp Geiger, I thought to finally, 26 years later, look up my Chief. I'm so deeply saddened. Arnold Hedgpeth was a great soldier and a great American and unsurprisingly a fantastic grandfather, judging by his obituary. My heartfelt condolences to his family, my prayers for his eternal peace. I'll see you on the other side Chief and maybe you'll confess to exactly what you were up to with MACV SOG. - JOHN THURSTON

  • November 25, 2022

    Hedg was a part of our ESC family in New Bern for many years. He was a big sweetheart that loved his family and served his community with all his heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

  • November 16, 2022

    Hedge, you shall be missed my friend and fellow Bishop Neumann High School classmate! You are still a class act in my eyes. RIP Ernie Wright

  • November 16, 2022

    I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Arnold was a great friend to me. He would call to check in from time to time when I worked with the Haliwa Saponi Tribe. I had helped him and his son Nick. They thought alot of me to go out their way to leave a gift for me when I was out on maternity leave. His kindness and warm personality will never be forgotten. Even when he told me what he was going through, he reminded me that he was a tough man. He didn't seem to be worried and that inspired me as well as gave me hope. To the family you have my prayers. May you all be comforted in the days ahead. Pamela R. Silver, Hollister NC.

  • November 16, 2022

    I am so saddened to hear of Arnold's passing. He was a wonderful friend of my mother, Annette and love by all of her children. I have so many memories of him visiting us in Philadelphia and later here in Carolina. He and my husband Timothy grew up playing together and getting into mischief. He was a trusted friend to my dad Sputer. I remember when his dad and my dad were in the same nursing home in Rocky Mount. My dad was more mobile so he often visited and looked out for him. I truly wish I knew sooner so I could be with you all today. But I am in spirit and in prayer. Jean, I will reach out when you return home. Love to you all. He will be greatly missed. Regards, Michelle Mills-Hedgepeth

  • November 16, 2022

    Fly High in the Skyworld with the Ancestors, Mr. Arnold or as I use to call you when I first met you, Sammo Hung ( because you reminded me of the Martial Artist/Actor of the same name). Much love and Respect, Jamie.

  • November 15, 2022

    So sorry for the grief that you all are feeling now. Sometimes I don't know what to say at a time like this. Please know that you all are in my prayers that God will give you comfort and peace. Love Connie

  • November 15, 2022

    I am so so sorry for the loss of your dad, Joe& Family. It is so hard losing someone you love and care about. In difficult times, you have each other to hug, and talk to. as time will pass, good memories will not fade, but live eternally on as you move forward in your lives. Heavens' Angels visit our World and help us in our strengths to be strong for self and others because the spirit of God is always near. I wish I could be there Joe to stand with you, my heart is saddened for you and your family. I love you kiddo,

  • November 15, 2022

    With a loss so great, there are simply no words to ease the pain. If there were, I would use them now. Please know that I'm here. Jackie

  • November 15, 2022

    Thank you sir for you service ! RIP I will always remember the uniform 'the smile ' and your kindness

  • November 15, 2022

    Fly high hedg , so sorry for your loss , 💔💔💔❤️❤️❤️

  • November 14, 2022

    I had the privilege of meeting Joe though his kind and caring heart and through the love of animals. I'm sorry for your loss.

  • November 13, 2022

    Dear family, I am saddened by the grief that you are feeling. Knowing of God's embracing love for you, continue looking to him when he " will wipe all tears from our eyes, death, pain, and suffering will be no more. " - Revelation 21:3,4 He says death is an " enemy that will be brought to nothing. " - 1 Corinthians 15:26 It comforts our hearts to know this pain will be a thing of the past and through Christ a resurrection for our loved ones. love from a stranger, jrfdog@gmail.com

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