Funeral services for Retired SSG James "HP" Earl Hedgepeth 69, of Kempner, TX will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home, Killeen, TX.

Retired SSG James "HP" Earl Hedgepeth was born on April 4, 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia to Ollen J. Hedgepeth and Virginia L. Hedgepeth. He passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023, in Kempner, TX.

James graduated in 1972, from Bayside High School, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Army and served 22 years. While serving his country, he received the following awards: Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, South Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Star (BSS), Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon (3rd award).Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA), and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar. He served in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and the Kuwait Wars. James retired as a Staff Sergeant with an honorable discharge, March 1996.

After his military career he was employed with the Southland Company for over 4 years. Following that he attended MMI (Motorcycle Mechanic Institute) and began working for Harley Davidson. He worked there for 18 years and later retired to work in his own shop repairing motorcycles.

James married Debra Ann Waltz on June 16, 1979, in El Paso, Texas. They traveled throughout his military career and shared many wonderful memories.

James has lived in Central Texas since 1989. He was an avid pool player, and long-standing member of APA (American Pool Players Association) and BCA (Billiards Congress of America), national. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Post 573 in Harker Heights, TX, the Disabled American Veterans # 29, Harker Heights, TX, VFW Post 3892, Harker Heights, TX, and a Moose Lodge member.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Debra Ann Hedgepeth of Kempner, TX his children: Anthony P. Waltz (Pohan Bystrom) of San Leandro, CA, Travis W. Waltz of Kempner, TX, and Lisa A. Plummer (Donnie) of Cornelius, OR; grandchildren: Gianni V. Richards of Vancouver, WA, Abigail J. Waltz of Kempner, TX, Jazmine D. Plummer, Joseph W. Plummer and Jamie A. Plummer all of Cornelius OR, and Kaylee M. Waltz of Kempner, TX; sisters: Gloria J. Brown (John) and Helen L. Wiles (Keith Knowles) all of Virginia Beach, VA and a host of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ollen J. and Virginia L. Hedgepeth, and his brother, Joseph Hedgepeth.