Earl Brown Hendrix

Mr. Earl Brown Hendrix, 85, of Raeford passed away peacefully at First Health Hospice House on April 7th, 2018.Earl was born in Hoke County on October 23rd, 1932 to the late James Robert Hendrix, Sr. and Maggie McDonald Hendrix. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 64 years Hazel McMillan Hendrix, his son Kenneth Earl Hendrix, and his brothers James Jr., Lacy, Samuel, Fred, and John Arthur Hendrix.Earl moved with his family to their farm in Hoke County when he was four years old. He followed his father into the family farm and became a leading figure in North Carolina agribusiness. Earl served on numerous agricultural boards including the NC Soybean Board for over two decades where he was a Founding Director, the NC Wheat Board, NC Small Grain Growers Association, and the Hoke County Soil and Water Board. Earl received numerous awards for his success in agriculture and his work to leave a legacy for future generations. He received the American Soybean Association 2008 Regional Conservation Legacy Award. Earl also served as the Hoke County Farm Bureau President since 1992. He was Progressive Farmers 1998 and 1999 Man of the Year for Service in NC Agriculture, NC Sunbelt Farmer of the Year in 1999. In 1993, he was NC Department of Agriculture Friend of Agriculture award. Earl and his family were the NC Extension Services Outstanding Farm Family in 1987 and the Conservation Farmer of the year in 1987. Earl was named Outstanding Young Farmer in 1959 He was always striving to improve future opportunities in agribusiness.Earl was a lifelong member of Raeford United Methodist Church where he was a leader in the Bob Lewis Sunday School Class. He taught childrens Sunday School and helped with the children during Vacation Bible School. Earl served on the Trustee and Finance Committees and the Church Council. He treasured his church and his church family. Earl had a zest for life and was a man of strong faith and values. He was a good friend to many in the community and across the state. Earl served as a member of the local National Guard unit for eight years alongside many of his classmates reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class before leaving the service to concentrate on the family farms growth. He had a strong love for God, his country and his community. Earls family was at the center of his life. Papa, or Pop, as he was affectionately known by his children and grandchildren will be dearly missed. Earl felt blessed to have experienced love again at the advanced age of 85. He and Connie, former classmates, and lifelong friends, found each other and married on December 17th, 2017.Earl leaves behind his wife Connie Fulk Ellis-Hendrix; son, Gary Allen Hendrix and his wife, Lynn of Raeford; Tammie Hendrix Coxe and her husband, Mack of Raeford; his grandchildren, William, Matthew and his wife Stephanie, Evan and his wife Cortney, Sydney, John Arthur, Megan, and Robert; his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Hannah, Jacob, and Stacy. He also leaves behind his beloved five "puppies" who helped to keep him active during Hazels long illness.The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Helen Thomas who cared for Earl, Hazel, and their family for many years. Thanks to First Health Hospice House staff for their devoted care during his stay. Visitation will be held on Monday April 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford. Funeral services will be held at Tuesday April 10th at 11:00 at Raeford United Methodist Church with Reverend Brian Wingo officiating. Burial will be in Highland Biblical Gardens.Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Raeford United Methodist Church, 308 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376 or First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com

Funeral Service

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 11:00 AM
Raeford United Methodist Church
308 N. Main St North Carolina Raeford 28376, United States

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