Randall E. Hedges, Sr.

Randall E. Hedges Sr. went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Sunday morning, February 10, 2019, at Redbanks Colonial Terrace Nursing Home.  He celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends on February 2nd.  Randall was born in 1929 to Joshua and Bessie Gray Hedges in Daviess County, Kentucky.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randy Hedges, brother Kenneth Hedges, infant brother Bobby Ray Hedges, and sisters, Wilda Hedges Roby, Lillian Hedges Lee, and Dorothy Hedges.  Randall is survived by his loving wife of 66 ½ years, Joan Howard Hedges.  Daughter, Fran (Mark) Floyd and her children Brit Fruit, Canaan Floyd, and DeLacey Gray Floyd.  Daughter-in-law, Michelle Roberts Hedges and her children Michael (Jamie) Hedges and 2Lt.Daniel Hedges, and great-grandchildren, Collier Fruit, LaRue Hedges, Alley Hedges, and Lane Hedges. Brit’s fiancé, Lilli Taylor Faulconer and children, Ezekiel Bates and Avery Hendrickson, several very loved nieces and nephews and many friends.  Randall was elected deacon at the age of 29, at Utica Baptist Church.  He faithfully served there until he moved his family to Sebree in 1965. He then served as deacon from that time until present, at Sebree First Baptist Church, the last several years as “Reserve Deacon”.  He loved his church and church family very much.  He was a deep thinker and slow to speak, you knew when Randall said something the words had already been thought out, processed, and worthy to be heard.  He was a gentle man with a loving and giving heart, always ready to help someone.  Up until the last few years, he planted an extra-large vegetable garden. He provided many families in Sebree with fresh produce during the growing season, earning no more than a smile.  It was always his honor to help someone.  He enjoyed traveling to visit family in Arizona, going to farm machinery shows, tractor shows, antique engine events, “tinkering” in his shop, hunting, spending time with friends, woodworking, and going on mission trips.  For several years he went on mission trips across the US building churches with the Macedonia Call (Builders). His two favorite trips were the ones that his son and son-in-law shared with him.  Randall began his working career in the oil fields as a pump-man.  In 1965, when Big Rivers Electric Corporation started production, Randall hired on and moved his family from Utica, KY to Sebree, KY.  While employed by Big Rivers he worked as a laborer, shift supervisor, control room operator, coal handling supervisor.  He ended his career at Big Rivers retiring in 1992, as Lead Coal Handling Supervisor Reid/Green Stations.  After retiring, Randall found his new love of woodworking. He surprised everyone by announcing one day that he was going to “build something.”  Turns out Randall was quite gifted with the art of woodworking.  Over the years, he made several pieces of furniture; sofa tables, accent tables, pie safes, vanities, dry sinks, bookcases, coffee tables, and an entertainment center.  However, his favorite pieces he built with much love and care, were the baby cradles for the family and beds for his wife, each child and grandchild, and a much loved “extra” child or two.  Many pieces are engraved with special hidden messages and dates for the recipients.  For his only granddaughter, his “Shortcake”, he made an oak four-poster bed with spindles.  The elaborate pattern was hand-drawn by Randall from seeing an antique feather bed owned by a church member and friend. The many spindles in the head and foot boards were used to tighten the straps that held the feather mattress. Each piece is loved and cherished by his family and friends who are fortunate enough to own a piece of his heart.  Of all of his loves, God was first and always a priority.  He was a wonderful husband who loved his wife from the first time they met.  After a four-month courtship, Randall knew Joan was the one for him.  They married on August 16, 1952.  They were a team throughout their nearly 67 years together, and there is no doubt their love will continue for eternity.  Randall was an amazing father to his children always guiding with love and a gentle hand.  He ensured he made special memories for each grandchild, connecting with their interests, whether it be watching “big trucks” pass by, digging for bones or treasure, going “bear” hunting (which were actually groundhogs), working on tractors, road trips to explore caves, or eating numerous invisible cookies and pies.   Randall was loved by his family, friends, church, and community.  He is happy in heaven but will be missed on earth.  “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23 Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Sebree.  Visitation will be Wednesday, 4:00 PM-8:00 PM and Thursday, 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery.  Brother Tony Appuglies and Dr. Bob Hardison will officiate.  Pallbearers:  Michael Hedges, Daniel Hedges, Britian Fruit, Canaan Hedges, DeLacey Floyd, Jim Ashby, and Leland Steely Honorary pallbearers: Men’s Sunday School Class and Joe Thompson.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Alzheimer’s Association.