Zachary Taylor Hederman, Jr.

            Zachary Taylor Hederman, of Jackson, Mississippi, died October 23, 2023, leaving a tremendous void in the lives of his friends and family, but further enriching them with wonderful memories and experiences that he was able to provide through his success and unique personality.  Zach was born in Jackson on February 16, 1948.  He graduated Murrah High School and attended Mississippi College before enrolling at the University of Mississippi where he graduated, with a B.A., in 1970.  He was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.  Zach returned to Mississippi College and received a M.B.A. and furthered his studies at Harvard School of Business, Post Graduate Studies.  

Zach was a steadfast Rebel and maintained a close tie with his classmates and Ole Miss his entire life, being a season ticket holder for over 40 years, as well as being a member of the Vaught Society.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association.  Zach often talked fondly of childhood memories of attending Sugar Bowls and other Bowls when Ole Miss played.  He followed the Rebels to many post season Bowl appearances. 

            After college, Zach returned to Jackson where he began a successful business career with the family business, being a partner in Hederman Brothers Printing Company.   In 1983, Zach ventured into real estate developments through his company, Zach T. Hederman, Jr. Properties, Inc., which developed Castlewoods, North Bay, Bridge Pointe, Cypress Lake, and Annadale. 

            Zach was an avid golfer.  He began playing golf as a teenager at the Jackson Country Club and continued to play golf until his health would not allow.  During his lifetime, Zach belonged to Wade Hampton Golf Club, Headwaters Par 3 Golf Club, and The Chattooga Club (Cashiers), all being clubs in North Carolina.  He was fortunate to play St. Andrews in Scotland, Pebble Beach in Carmel, California, and Augusta but always enjoyed returning to play in Jackson with his friends at the Jackson Country Club.  Zach always felt at home at the Country Club.  He enjoyed the company of good friends over a round of golf, or simply fraternizing during social hours or at dinner at the Club.  The Jackson Country Club was a special place for Zach, a place that he looked forward to visiting his entire life. 

Over a period of 15 years, Hederman Properties constructed two golf courses and developed residential homesites surrounding a total of four golf courses, as well as a waterfront community.

            During his college days Zach met a girl from Forest, Mississippi, Susie Lee, who became his wife and most valuable asset.  They remained married for fifty years.  Together they reared two children, Stuart and Lee.  Zach’s family became the center of his universe.  He took great pride in his family and was determined to share with them his zest of travel and adventure.  Zach and Susie showed their children the world.  No country or destination was safe from a visit from The Hedermans!  Zach loved to share his enjoyment with others and took his mother-in-law on many of these trips, realizing she had a love and inquisitiveness for travel but had not had the opportunity, something Zach gladly and openly welcomed.  Thanks to Zach, she was able to experience seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors in China, as well as riding a camel in Egypt at the age of 80. 

            Zach was a Christian and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jackson where he attended until his health failed.  Zach was an Eagle Scout with Troop 8.  He was a Deacon and at one point served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons.  Zach was a community leader, having served as Chairman of the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts of America and as Chairman of the YMCA.  He was a former member and Board Director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and also a member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Museum of Art. 

            Zach Hederman’s life was cut short due to health issues, but there are few people, regardless of their lifespan, who were able to accomplish more, enjoy life more, and leave wonderful, lasting memories with others more than Zach Hederman. 

            Predeceasing Zach were his parents, Zachery Taylor Hederman, Sr. and Margaret (Marty) Love Hederman.  Zach is survived by his wife, Susie Lee Hederman, son Stuart Hederman, daughter, Lee Hederman Piper, and her husband Kris, and sisters, Carol Hederman Tatum, and Margaret Ann Hederman May, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

            Visitation will be Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Jackson Sanctuary.  Funeral Services will be conducted Monday at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Jackson.  Private burial will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Shower Power (Post Office Box 5804, Brandon, Mississippi 39047), Stewpot Ministry (Post Office Box 3610, Jackson, Mississippi 39207) or any worthy charity of choice.