Carroll "Skinner" William Hedrick
Carroll "Skinner" Hedrick passed away on December 5, 2023 at the age of 90.
He was born on August 12th, 1933 in Upper Tract to Alton Parker Hedrick and Mary Ruhama Harold. He lost his father when he was just 6 weeks old. His mother raised the family with love and the kindness of his Grandma Hattie and Grandaddy Bill Harold.
Carroll attended the Upper Tract grade school and graduated from Franklin High School in 1952. Growing up, he played in the woods and creek and worked on many nearby farms for money or sometimes just a delicious meal. He loved telling stories about his adventures in this special part of the world.
He entered the United States Air Force in 1953. During his 4 years of service, he trained and worked as a mechanic specializing in aircraft avionics. This knowledge took him to Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Taiwan.
After his military service, he was employed by Capital Airlines in Washington D.C. as an airline avionics mechanic. Capital Airlines merged with United Airlines and he was off to California to continue his career and raise his growing family. He worked at the San Francisco Airport. He retired in 1995 as a Lead Mechanic from United Airlines after 40 years of service. During his time at United, he attended Mission College in California studying Psychology.
Carroll married Patricia Borror Hedrick in 1957. Together they raised 3 sons, Stephen Craig, Mark Alllen, and Bart William.
After retirement from United Airlines, he helped care for his beloved grandson, Parker .
In 2002 he returned to West Virginia where he enjoyed being with family, seeing old friends and making new ones, and being blessed by wonderful neighbors.
Carroll was active in the American Legion, Franklin, VFW Post 6454, Petersburg, and the Franklin Moose 769. He was a member The Pendleton County Historical
Society, The National Rifle Association and a lifelong member of the West Virginia CCC Camp Museum. He volunterred as Treasurer for Cherry Hill Cemetery for many years.
Skinner was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Leta Virginia Decker, Bonnie Lou Mowery and Bruce Parker Hedrick; and Carroll's son, Bart William of San Jose, California.
He is survived by Patricia " Tish" Hedrick, and sons Stephen Craig (Linda) , Mark Allen (Jo-Anne) and grandson Parker. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Skinner truly enjoyed spending his retirement years back home in Upper Tract. The kindness of many wonderful friends will never be forgotten. He was especially grateful for the companionship and assistance from Nancy Sites and Bob Vance.
Deeepest thanks goes to the outstanding caregivers who helped him through these past years: Joanna Blare, Terri Grogg, Mary Propst, Leana Leat, Doris Dunn and Debbie Turner. Appreciation to the wonderful Home Care Team from Petersburg Veterans Adminstration and Grant County Hospice. His wish was to remain in his home and each person helped to make that happen.
Skinner's family will receive friends on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will be on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM, in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Gary Phillips and Rev. Stanley Kile officiating. Entombment will be in Cherry Hill Cemetery, Upper Tract, WV. Memorials may be made to Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
