Clarence "Big Earl" Hedgepeth

Clarence "Big Earl" Hedgepeth, age 91, of Boaz, Alabama, passed away on September 18, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1934, to the late William Boyd and Julia Upchurch Hedgepeth. A graduate of Boaz High School, Snead State, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, class of 1970, Mr. Hedgepeth proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954–1958. He worked with NASA from 1958–1968, then began a 30-year career with The Lee Company, where he retired in 1997 as Area Vice President of Manufacturing. A faithful member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Albertville, he was also dedicated to his community, serving 25 years with the Boaz Chamber of Commerce and over 25 years with Albertville youth sports, where he helped establish the Little League program. He is survived by his children, Roger (Ruthie) Hedgepeth and Vicki (Dennis) Sanders; grandchildren, Brittany Sullivan, Whitney (Ryan) Carden, Mick (Courtney) Hedgepeth, Sam Sanders (Jacob Solomon), and Wesley (Alex) Sanders; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia H. Greene; dauhter-in-law, Kathy Hedgepeth; and special friend, Evora Holliday. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Head Hedgepeth; son, Bill Hedgepeth; grandson, Erik Hedgepeth; and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, in the Chapel of Adams Brown Service Funeral Home with Bro. Morrell Upchurch and Bro. Shannon Pullen officiating. A private family burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shepherd's Cove Hospice or Second Chance Shelter.