Hopewell native Wayne Hedgepeth has announced his retirement from the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service after 47 years of service, the last 39 of which he served as chapel manager.
Hedgepeth was only the third manager in the chapel's 51-year history. J.T. Morriss & Son opened the Hopewell chapel in December 1959, with John R. Langford as manager. He was succeeded by Everett M. Ellis in 1965, after which Hedgepeth became manager in 1971.
Under Hedgepeth's direction, the Hopewell chapel has experienced unprecedented growth, more than tripling the number of families served in the Hopewell/Prince George area since becoming manager, and has made the highest level of individualized, compassionate attention the chapel's top priority.
His retirement is effective December 31, 2010.
"Wayne's management philosophy is simple, but effective," said Tolleison Morriss VI, president of the 154-year-old J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. "Don't meet expectations, exceed them." He added, "Whether Wayne or his staff are working with a family whose loved one unexpectedly passed away, or helping an individual pre-plan his own funeral, patience, compassion and a full explanation of what can be expected can always be counted on."
In his retirement, Hedgepeth will continue to have a presence at the Hopewell chapel, interacting and assisting families as he has always done. "The best part for me, is that I do not have to say farewell, because I am fortunate to be able to continue the things I enjoy most, helping people in times of need."
As a senior at Hopewell High School, Hedgepeth began his association with J.T. Morriss & Son in September of 1963 as a part-time employee after school and on weekends during the time when ambulance service was provided by the funeral home. Upon graduation from high school, he apprenticed with the funeral home while completing his associates degree at Richard Bland College. Having chosen to pursue a career in funeral service, he continued his education and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis. He then received his funeral director's and embalming licenses in 1969. And finally, in 1971, he was appointed manager of the Hopewell chapel.
"I have had the pleasure of working for three generations of the Morriss family, starting with J. T Morriss, IV, J.T. Morriss, V (Jay) , and J. T. Morriss, VI (Tolleison)," Hedgepeth said. "There have been many changes and additions to the traditional funeral during my 47 years with J.T. Morriss & Son, allowing us to provide a more personalized, dignified funeral service than ever before."
When asked why he chose to pursue a career in the funeral business, Hedgepeth replied, "I enjoy assisting families at a time when they need guidance from a compassionate individual and to help them make dignified arrangements for their loved ones."
J.T. Morriss & Son funeral director and longtime Hopewell resident Jonathan Terry has been named Hedgepeth's successor.
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