Dr. Edwin (Ed) and Nancy Hendricks, beloved residents of Demorest for over 40 years, have been named grand marshals of this year’s Glorious Fourth parade—an honor that celebrates their decades of service, leadership, and unwavering devotion to their community.
Married for nearly 57 years, the Hendricks raised their three sons in Demorest and built a life rooted in faith, family, and public service. Together, they ran a family medicine practice for more than three decades—Nancy managing the office while Dr. Hendricks cared for patients and, later, served at Medlink Habersham until his retirement in 2019.
Their impact, however, stretches far beyond the exam room. For more than four decades, the Hendricks have been actively involved at First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia, where Nancy currently serves as a ruling elder and Ed as a deacon. They’ve led youth groups, taught Sunday School, sung in choirs, and supported worship with Nancy frequently filling in as organist and pianist. Ed also served on medical mission trips to Laos for more than ten years.
Legacy of service
The couple opened their first clinic in Habersham County in 1983, and in 1993 established Demorest Family Medicine on Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway. When the clinic closed in 2014, Dr. Hendricks transitioned to Medlink. He also spent more than 30 years on staff at Habersham Medical Center, including time as Chief of Staff, and served as medical director of The Oaks at Scenic View nursing home from 1999 to 2014.
Dr. Hendricks served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 2006 to 2017, deploying to Afghanistan in 2009 and Kuwait in 2012. While he was overseas, Nancy kept the clinic running with the support of colleagues and staff. Today, he remains active in the VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and serves as Northeast Regional Vice President of the Georgia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Nancy, too, has left a lasting mark through civic involvement. A former president of the Demorest Woman’s Club, she helped organize Cub Scout Pack 660 shortly after the family moved to Demorest. Both she and Ed served as leaders and on the Scout Committee for nearly a decade. She also served on the board of Habersham Christian Learning Center and on the advisory board for North Georgia Technical College’s Medical Assisting Program.
In addition to their service and professional lives, the couple shares a love of music. Ed has sung with the Piedmont Chorale for more than 20 years, with Nancy joining him in recent seasons.
From medicine and military service to music, ministry, and mentorship, Ed and Nancy Hendricks have spent their lives giving back. As they lead this year’s Glorious Fourth parade, they do so not just as honored guests but as cherished neighbors whose legacy continues to enrich the heart of Demorest.
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