Barry Kent Hedden

Barry Kent Hedden, 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, surrounded by his family after a 18 year battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born in Waukegan, Illinois, on June 15, 1950, Barry graduated with a Master's Degree in Mass Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. While born to a small family in a small town, Barry had big dreams. He moved to Chicago, IL after graduate school and went on to dedicate 30 years to a successful career in marketing, advertising, and communications, delighting in little experiences like graduating from McDonald's Hamburger University as a part of his work on the Big Mac launch campaign.
Barry's greatest joy came from his family and his spirit of adventure. He shared more than 46 years of love and partnership with his wife, Vicki. He was a devoted father to Casey and Erin. He adored his grandchildren-Ethan (12), Elliott (6), Carter (6), and Riley (4)-who kept him on his toes, as well as his "favorite little princess" dog, Molly. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan Casey, his parents Barnet and Gertrude, and his sister, Patty.
Barry will be remembered for his creativity, his hardworking nature, his commanding speaking presence, his curiosity about the world and his love of history. Many people eagerly awaited his yearly "Hedden Family Digest" publication that combined hilarious family updates with sharp wit that shined a light on the joys and difficulties of raising a family. Over the years, he developed passions for fly fishing (even if the fish often eluded him and he even once accidentally caught his daughter Casey on the other end of the line), scuba diving, and hiking-always eager for the next adventure.
A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the chapel at St. Francis of Assisi church in Raleigh, North Carolina, presided by longtime family friend Father Jim Donovan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation in Barry's honor using his tribute page.
Barry will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His warm gentle heart and love for his family will be cherished forever.