PDG Bill Hedges Reception

PDG Bill Hedges (2005-06) has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.  Bill has been an active Rotarian since 1996. Since retiring as a pastor from the United Methodist Church ministry in 2004, he became a resident of Quitman and member of the Quitman Rotary Club.  
In March, Bill announced plans to relocate to Little Rock, Arkansas area to be close to his family while he deals with treatment for his illness.
 
Though retired as a minister, Bill served in many leadership roles with the Quitman First United Methodist Church and was a treasured member of the church choir. Bill also stayed very active in the community through his service activities with Rotary and contributions to other area service organizations, including the Quitman Pilot Club, the Wood County Child Welfare & Protection Board, and the Quitman Cemetery Board.  He also continued to serve the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church through his volunteer role as the Conference Archivist.
 
To provide well wishes and say thanks for his many contributions to the church and service to the Quitman Area through Rotary, Bill was honored with a reception at the church on April 12.  Many Quitman Rotarians, past and present, several Rotary District 5830 PDG’s, and many other friends and church members were present. To help maintain his legacy, the Quitman Club also announced the creation of an annual “Rev. Bill Hedges Service Citation”.  Bill was named the first recipient.
 
Among the Rotarians present were:
(Front row l-r) PDG Jack Welge, Richard Gardner, PDG Bill Hedges, Greg Hollen, Martha Scroggins, and Sam Scroggins.
(Back row, l-r) Bill Martin, Mike Narkiewicz, PDG Fay J. Durant, PDG John Jetter, Frieda Jetter, Rev. Mike Cline, Tommy Brown, and PDG Ted Huffhines.   
(Present but not shown) PDG John Henson, PDG Dr. Phil Bandel, Dee Bandel, and several other past and present Quitman Rotarians.