Hedrick Gillikin

Seaford, Va. – Hedrick Gillikin, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday 1/18 surrounded by his loved ones after a brief battle with brain cancer. It was a quick battle and one he approached as he did with all things in life, with dignity, an easy going nature, a smile and a concern for all around him. Hedrick was born and raised in the small town of Otway, NC, where he grew up working on the family farm. Shortly after graduation from New Smyrna High School, Hedrick and his family moved to York County. It was shortly thereafter-that he met the love of his life, Barbara Teagle Gillikin. He recently shared, that the happiest year of his life was when he was 24 because “that’s when he met Barbara”. Hedrick was soon, drafted into the US Army thus quickly moving up their planned marriage. This represented the beginning of a lifelong adventure together. After service in the Army, Barbara and Hedrick returned to Seaford, where they began building the home and family which they would share together for the next 63 years.
Hedrick worked his entire career at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, where he retired in 1989. Though retired, he never slowed down. Through his adult life Hedrick had many hobbies, his favorite being, babysitting, teaching and spending time with his grandchildren whether at his home on a golf course, football field, beach or wherever they wanted to be, working in his garden, being on the water and building anything with his hands. Later in life golf, puzzles and reading became additions to his interest. Hedrick was an active member of Zion United Methodist Church, Past Master of York Masonic Lodge #205 and Past Worthy Patron of York Chapter #110, Order of the Eastern Star.
In addition to his wife Barbara, Hedrick leaves two loving and grateful daughters, Gwen Appleton (Wayne) and Darlene Stephenson (George), three precious grandchildren, Brett Appleton, Christie Branch (Kevin) and Penn Stephenson (Mary-Kate), and three great-
grandchildren, Priyana, Finn and Webb, several nieces and nephews, close friends Larry and Johanne Richardson & four legged buddy, Beau. Hedrick was predeceased by his loving parents whom he enjoyed and cared for until their deaths, Stacey and Lula Gillikin and a sister Mona Wood.
Services will be held on Saturday, 1/22 at Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford. The family will greet friends at 1:00, followed by services with Masonic Rites at 2:00 and burial in the church cemetery. A special thanks to all who brought joy to dad over his lifetime and in the past months. A special thank you to Sheryl Anderson, his beloved Speech Therapist whom he so enjoyed spending time with. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va. For weather updates on service call the funeral home at 757-898-5722.