John E. Sedgwick, Jr., affectionately called “Junior” by
family and friends, was called home from labor to reward
on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
John was born on March 21, 1942 in Annapolis, Maryland
to John E. Sedgwick, Sr. and Dorothy Hardesty. After
graduating, he joined the United States Air Force, where he
became a jet mechanic. He also served in the U.S. Navy. The
Vietnam veteran served a term of 45 years.
John was past commander for VFW Post 8446 (Veterans
Hall Building of Buckingham County). He was also a
member of American Legion Post 934. John assisted with
the Poppy Drive for disabled veterans, and also volunteered
with the Dillwyn Rescue Squad for several years.
John stayed busy all the time - whether it was cutting
grass, checking on family, or running errands for friends.
He always believed in doing what was right. Most of all,
John loved hunting with his good friend, Louis Whitting,
working on cars with Jack Chambers, and hanging out
with his best friend, George Smith. John was always a no
nonsense person and can be remembered for saying “Your
word is supposed to mean something.”
John was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife,
Alice Mae Sedgwick; step-daughter, Debbie Ayers; and
step-son, Elvis Ayers. He leaves to cherish his memories:
four sisters, Janice Sedgwick, Debbie Gibbs (Bob),
Denise Gibbs, and Tyrese Donkintz (Mark); one brother,
Tyrone Hardesty (Beverly); one aunt, Credella Matthews

(Alexander), step-daughter, Alice Smith; three step-
sons, William Ayers (Mary), Randy Ayers (Sharon), and

Bryon Ayers; three step-granddaughter, Shanna Miller
(Shannon), Johniesha Smith, and Lisa Ayers; two step-great

grandsons, Kam James and Malikiah Smith; three step-
great granddaughters, Serenity Brown, London Miller and

Zaharra Miller; and his very special friend, Clara Nelson.