John Richard Hedges

John Richard Hedges, 86, of Florence, South Carolina, passed away after a short illness on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, on August 26, 1939, John grew up in Waverly, New York. He was the son of the late Richard Leland Hedges and Jane Anastasia (Lynch) Hedges Gunderman. When John was just three years old, his father, a New York State Trooper, was killed in the line of duty.

An alumnus of Waverly High School, Class of 1957, and St. Bonaventure University, Class of 1965, John was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. His 29-year career with Meiko America took his family from New York to New Jersey, Tennessee, and finally South Carolina. With deep affection for the Mississippi River, John requested that Memphis, Tennessee, be his final resting place.

Practically born with a guitar in hand, John was a lifelong and gifted musician. He played in honky-tonks across North New Jersey and New York City in the 1970s and 1980s — where he met his beloved wife, Judy.

John’s other great devotion was to the New York Jets. A 40-year season ticket holder, he rarely missed a game. Despite decades of heartbreak, he remained a loyal and eternal optimist.

Affectionately known as “Pa” to his grandchildren, retirement brought him his greatest joy: being present. He never missed a soccer game, an awards ceremony, or a graduation. He was a deeply loving father and grandfather, known for his kindness, patience, wit, and steady wisdom. His warmth, easy smile, and the twinkle in his eye will be profoundly missed. A proud Irishman, he loved a good story, a shared laugh, and gathering around good food with the people he loved.

In addition to his parents and stepfather, John was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann (O’Hara) Hedges; his stepdaughter, Lori Golino; his sister, Susan Willmott; and his beloved canine companion, Marley.

He is survived by his daughters, Tara Hedges Jones of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Julie Williamson (Scott) of Florence, South Carolina; his stepdaughter, Colleen Clark (George) of Gulf Breeze, Florida; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Green (Marc), Sarah Dorak (Justin), Patrick Clark, George Clark IV, Justin Hedges (Nicole), Rheagan Williamson, Luke Jones, and Ruby Jones; three great-grandchildren; and his beloved nephews, Danny Viscel (Elizabeth), Richard McGinley (Lisa), and Paul McGinley (Sheryl).

John’s family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

A lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, John requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to:

ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105