Dr. Edwin Headrick, professor emeritus of psychology and former chair of the department at Abilene Christian University, passed away in Fort Worth on Saturday, May 31 at the age of 74.
Headrick was born in Ellis County, Texas on Aug. 15, 1933. He received his bachelor's degree from David Lipscomb College in 1955 and a master's degree from Mississippi State University in 1968. He came to ACU in 1971 from Starkville, Miss., where he had been a full-time minister while working on his doctoral degree at Mississippi State University.
He became chair of the psychology department at ACU in 1977, and served in that position until 1994 when he returned to full-time teaching until his retirement in 2004. His tenure as chair saw the addition of a computer laboratory, the hiring of five Ph.D.-level professors and a record set in graduate enrollment.
"I think that Dr. Headrick will be most remembered for his love for people," said Dr. Jeffrey Wherry, professor of psychology at ACU. "He was a mentor to many, a beloved family man and a friend to all. Dr. Headrick played a key role in the development of the department's undergraduate and graduate programs. He made time for everyone and enjoyed a good joke or prank. Perhaps as much as anything, people will miss his smile, his warm handshake and his big hugs."
Headrick served as a full-time minister in New Johnsonville, Tenn., Maryville, Tenn., Starkville, Miss. and Abilene. He also directed the Montview Christian Camp in Knoxville, Tenn. for four years and taught in public schools in Tennessee.
In Abilene, Headrick devoted himself to a multitude of projects. He served as consultant for the Region 14 Educational Service Center and for the Abilene State School. He conducted workshops for elders, ministers and teachers on personal counseling, and he served as director of the ACU Counseling Center.
"I first met Ed Headrick as my teacher in an Introduction to Psychology class my sophomore year at Abilene Christian," said Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, assistant professor of psychology at ACU. "At that time I was a pre-med major, but after taking his class, I decided to switch to psychology — a decision I have never regretted. Dr. Headrick made the field of psychology come alive for his students, and welcomed them to join him in seeking knowledge and understanding."
Headrick is survived by his wife, Shirley, four children and six grandchildren.Visitation will be Monday, June 2 at Elliot-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory in Abilene, 6-8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Hwy. 36 Church of Christ at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, with graveside services at Red Oak Cemetery in Red Oak, Texas at 6 p.m.
"Ed was truly an embodiment of God's unconditional love," Shewmaker said. "Anyone who knew him knew that he was always there to give you a hug and a word of encouragement or to make you laugh with his frequent jokes. He was vibrant, full of life and joy, with an indomitable spirit. He was, and still is, a beautiful spirit, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him."
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