John Steven "Steve" Hedgepeth

1952 - 2024

John Steven "Steve" Hedgepeth, 72, of Memphis, TN, passed away on November 27, 2024, after a brief illness.

Steve was the son of John David Hedgepeth and Retus Black Hedgepeth Zierke. A natural athlete, he loved waterskiing on Sardis Lake in Mississippi and was a gifted baseball player from a young age. Steve attended Christian Brothers High School, where he continued his sports career playing baseball for both CBHS and in the American Legion summer league for the Bill Speros team for Coach Tony Gagliano. On the CBHS football team, Steve played tight end for four years and he was awarded an athletic scholarship to play for the University of Arkansas under Coach Frank Broyles, after turning down offers from almost every school in the SEC. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Steve worked for Container Corporation of America before beginning his career in commercial real estate.

Steve enjoyed golfing and served as a caddy for Lou Holtz during the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic Pro-Am in 1981 and 1982. In addition to his love of sports, Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting with friends and passed this enthusiasm down to his two sons and grandchildren, who cherished their time with him on the farm. Steve also had an interest in photography, and his family is blessed with the many memories he captured on film. He could often be seen along the perimeter of sunflower fields or on the sidelines with his telephoto lens poised and ready to snap the action of the hunt or the weekly football, soccer and lacrosse games his children, and later his grandchildren, competed in. Steve was a man of deep faith, a protective older brother and a loyal friend with a quick wit, easy smile and gentle spirit. His favorite role in the world was being "Poppy."

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John David Hedgepeth and Retus Black Hedgepeth Zierke (Chuck), and Susan Sullivan, the mother of his children. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Hedgepeth; sons, Reid (Riley) and Pearse (Denise); his adoring grandchildren, Sidney, Dayton, Hunt, Pearson, Lillian, and Mary Reid; and his faithful dog, Otis.

Throughout his life, Steve endeavored to be a good friend. His friendship was repaid tenfold during his last years through the love and support he received from many dear friends. He was richly blessed in this regard, and his family would like to thank everyone who took the time to call and visit. Special thanks to the wonderful ladies who helped him: Gwen, Avis, Shirley, Sonja, Chan, Iffie and Angelique.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11th, in the chapel at Harvest Church, 3645 Forest Hill-Irene Rd, Germantown, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christian Brothers High School or Harvest Church.