Clay Simmons Hedricks

Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 22, 2025

Clay Simmons Hedricks Panama City, Florida — Clay Simmons Hedricks, 67, of Panama City, Florida, formerly of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully at home with all his sons by his side on May 24 2025 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born March 24, 1958, in Jacksonville, Texas, to Robert Glenn Hedricks and Margaret Francis Jones. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ben and Jerry Hedricks and sister Pamela Hedricks. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years and high school sweetheart, Rita K. Hedricks; and by his five sons: Clay Hedricks Jr. and spouse Ashley Stevenson, James Hedricks and wife Ashlee Hedricks, Christopher Hedricks, Jeremy Hedricks, and William Hedricks; his sister: Susan Hedricks-Mathis and husband Danny; his brothers: Robert Glenn Hedricks Jr., Justin Hedricks and wife Diane; his grandchildren Logan Hedricks and Jasmine Stevenson; as well as many much loved nieces and nephews. Clay proudly served in the United States Navy as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Diver and Teams operator, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer over the course of 27 years of highly decorated and honorable service. Clay embodied a true warrior being active on the ground in every major conflict from the 80s until early 2000s, visited 55 countries, and around the globe 3 times. Clay will be remembered as a man of strength and dedication for his family. His legacy of service and sacrifice leaves a lasting mark on all who knew him, those who served by his side and our country as a whole. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The family will receive guests from 10:00am until time of service.