Donald Pryor Hadrick

On May 16, 2023, Donald Pryor Hadrick passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness brought on by Agent Orange. He was born in Nassau County, New York on April 27, 1942. When he was a young boy, he relocated with his family to Morristown, TN, where he grew up. He is the son of the late Pryor and Betty Shockley Hedrick.

At the age of 16, Don joined the Army and retired after 20 years of service. He was deployed to Vietnam twice, serving 1 year each time. He was wounded 3 times; he suffered gunshots to his legs, a bayonet wound to his upper arm in hand-to-hand combat, hand grenade wounds to his face and body. He received numerous medals and awards during his time in the Army including 2 Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Vietnam Era Veteran Certificates of Service, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal. During his Army career, he lived in 28 states and 18 countries, and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts at The University of The State of New York. After retiring, he attended Chapman University in Orange, California, where he achieved his ultimate goal, a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management. He then worked 13 years for The Department of the Army in Washington, DC, as a Labor Relations Specialist. He and his wife, Lillian, raised 3 sons who each raised families and became successful in their own careers. Don was active in his son's lives, coaching little league and all areas of their upbringing.

In November of 2004, Don met his future wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Chapman via social media. He lived in Kingsport, TN, she lived in Hickory, NC. They wed in May of 2006 and were happily married for 17 years. In the early years of their marriage, they often traveled to places like Cabo San Lucas, Jamaica, or Paris, France. They particularly enjoy Broadway performances in New York and other venues. They spent time bowling in couples' leagues.

Mr. Hadrick is survived by his wife Bobbie Hadrick, of the home, 3 sons; Dennis F. and wife Susan, Kenneth and wife Debbie, Donald and wife Shannon; the mother of his children, Lillian Cordova Otwell; 1 sister; Janet and husband Steve Stewart, 1 bonus daughter; Alyson Mains and boyfriend Adam Watts, a lifelong special friend, John (JD) West, who was like his brother, 7 grandchildren; Dennis A. Hadrick, Kodi Hadrick, Kendra Hadrick, Brandon Hadrick, Shanna Hadrick, Kaila Hadrick, Trace McCoy, 5 great-grandchildren; Delilah Hadrick, Beckett Hadrick, Colsen Hadrick, Marley Fischer, Myles McCoy, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by an infant brother, Darrell, 4 sisters; Shirley Hedrick Johnson, Judy Hedrick Drinnon, Velma Hedrick, Francis Hedrick; a brother, Kenneth Hedrick.

A graveside Military service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:00pm at Bethesda Cemetery, Morristown, Tennessee.

Local arrangements by Allen Funeral Home in Morristown, TN.

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