Donald Lee Hedrick , age 59, of Franklin, WV, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg, VA, after a courageous battle against cancer for over the last year . He was born on November 21, 1965, in Harrisonburg, VA, the son of Zelda M. (Legg) Butterworth and Thomas of Sugar Grove, WV and the late Edward Paul Hedrick. On June 5, 1999, Donnie married Amber Lee (May) Hedrick, who survives in Franklin.

Donnie was a 1985 graduate of Franklin High School and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin. He was a also a member of the Teamsters Union and a former member of the Franklin Moose Lodge #769.

Donnie was a Valiant Veteran of The US Army and National Guard and reflected his lifelong dedication to the Military. He served in the US Army as an M1A1 Armor Crewman from 1986-1992, and was full-time active duty, stationed in Germany. Following his discharge from the Army, Donnie served with the Virginia Army National Guard, serving as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, and a Platoon Sergeant from 1997-2013 and proudly worked as a Recruiter from 2004-2005. During his duty in the Army National Guard, he was deployed to Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

After his military retirement, Donnie had worked various jobs including: Tenneco Automotive, Graham Packaging Corporation, 2-term Pendleton County Sheriff, Artisian Packaging, and most recently employed by Danone.

Donnie enjoyed many things in life, including hunting, fishing, and playing video games. But, his true passion was his family, especially his girls. He was honored to be called dad and was dedicated to providing and supporting them in everything they were involved in, particularly being a devoted sports dad. His legacy of love will be embedded in their hearts forever.

In addition to his wife and mother, Donnie leaves behind to cherish his memory: 2 daughters, Emilee Brooke Hedrick and Katelyn Grace Hedrick, both of Franklin; a sister, Sharon "Sherry" Hedrick; 2 brothers, Edward Paul Hedrick, Jr. and Charles Vernon Hedrick (Lisa); and aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his precious son, Matthew Lee Hedrick (2-24-03).

Donnie's family will receive family on Sunday, April 6, 2025, 12-2 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Bishop Jed Hartman officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by The US Army. Memorials may be made to: The Potomac Highlands Wounded Warrior Outreach, POB 1225, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or to WVARNG Resilience, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention (R3SP) Program. Memories of words and comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.