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Elbert Nelson Hedgepeth, Jr., 96, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Elbert was born in Rocky Mount, NC to the late Elbert Nelson Hedgepeth and Florene Smith Hedgepeth. Elbert was known affectionally as "Hedge" to many people in his life. After graduating high school, Elbert joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in several locations in the U.S. After his service ended, he married Sara Josephine Bell in 1948, and they were married 74 years. After they were married, Elbert enrolled at Wake Forest College but left shortly thereafter due to the illness of Sara Jo's parents in Rocky Mount. After Sara Jo's parents passed away, Elbert entered N.C. State University and graduated with a B.S. in Heating and Air Conditioning Engineering. During his time at N.C. State, he was an apprentice at Morris & Associates, a large commercial air conditioning firm in Raleigh, NC. After graduation from State in 1954, Elbert continued with Morris as an air conditioning systems designer and manager, eventually rising to the position as Vice President of Marketing and Sales and Director. Elbert left Morris & Associates and Raleigh in 1964 and moved with his family to Charlotte, NC that began a 29-year career with Duke Power Company in Charlotte. At Duke he held various positions including VP of Distribution and later VP of Operations. Later, Elbert led a team that worked extensively in laying the groundwork for the purchase of Nantahala Power & Light by Duke Power. He ended his career as President of Nantahala Power & Light and retired in 1993. A long time, very active member of Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC), Elbert served as President of the South Piedmont Chapter of PENC, President of PENC and served 10 years as a Director of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). He was also President of the PENC Educational Foundation and was presented the organizations Distinguished Service Award. He was a Fellow of the National Society of Professional Engineers (FNSPE). The Fellows designation is the NSPE's highest member honor. He was also a Director of the Southeastern Electric Exchange (SEE) and involved with other engineering organizations throughout his career. Elbert was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Franklin, NC where he was always active and involved in many church events over the years. Elbert loved doing many things over his life that included hunting quail in the Rocky Mount, NC area with his father, brother, brother-in-law, and sons. He also enjoyed going to the beach with his family every year, working in the yard and garden, traveling throughout the world and dancing with Sara Jo which they did into their 90's. They were fantastic dancers and loved to do the Jitterbug which would entertain their family and friends for many years. Most of all, he loved his family and that love never ceased. His 74-year marriage to Sara Jo was quite remarkable and she was the love of his life. Elbert was preceded in death by his wife Sara Jo, grandson Ryan Dotson and great grandson Jackson Hedgepeth. He is survived by three sons who are Nelson Hedgepeth and wife Beth of Newberry, SC, Byron Hedgepeth and wife Elise of Fairview, NC and Tommy Hedgepeth and wife Angela of Mooresville, NC. Grandchildren are Joseph Hedgepeth and wife Nicole, Sarah Howie and husband Stephen, Aaron Hedgepeth, Caleb Hedgepeth and wife Nichole, Jessica Balkin and husband Craig, Forrest Hedgepeth and wife Daniella and Betsy Ferguson and husband Tim. He was also great grandfather to Abby, Brayden, Claire, Morgan, Stephen, Jude, CJ, Noah, Phillip, Shuli, Avdi and Violet. A service will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Avenue, Franklin, NC 28734. Reverend David Beam will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Franklin. Online condolences can be made at cavin-cook.com. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory will be handling the arrangements.

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Elbert Nelson Hedgepeth, Jr.

October 23, 1928 - November 2, 2024