Andy McCree Hern, 79, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was the son of George Alexander Hern and Mary Hefner Hern. A renowned photographer and respected pillar of the community, he was always extending a helping hand. Beginning his photography career at the Morganton News Herald, he later opened his own photography studio where he was a professional photographer for 47 years. Having held a high position as a former member of PPNC (Professional Photographers of North Carolina), he inspired many. Everyone in Morganton has an uplifting story of their experience with his photography and were positively touched by his kindness. As a first responder with the Rescue Squad, he is most famously known for delivering a baby, therefore, receiving the ‘Man of the Year’ award.
He is survived by his two daughters, Wendy Wagner (Charlie) and Heather Brown; granddaughter, Taylor Hylemon; sister, Joy Guzman (Collin); and former wife, Sherry Eckard.
He will always be remembered and sadly missed in the hearts of many.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025 at Walker Road Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Ball officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Walker Road Baptist Church, c/o Pastor Mark Ball, 100 Walker Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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My Dear Joy, I am so sorry. What a wonderful person and brother!
Always a smile, kind word and compliment. Always a gentleman, a friend to all.
I will sorely missed him, he is very very sweet man and even go to my school take pictures when I grow up to seniors!! Will see him someday…. Prayer for his families!
We are all better people for having Andy in our lives, and he will live in our memories as a person we should emulate A good man died - and his name was Andy
RIP Sir. Andy will be missed.
Prayers for the family. Andy did some awesome photography work for me over the years. He will be greatly missed by all.
My Dear Joy and Family. Andy was a good man! He captured my wedding in pictures 40 years ago this May. He made memories for so many. My deep sympathy and gratitude for his life. Blessings as you move forward without him - Nancy
Sorry for your loved ones! He did a lot of pictures at NCSD for long time! He is not more suffering!
My sincere condolences to Andy's family. I remember the first time I met him. It was at the old Grace Hospital. We both became parents the first week of March 1972. He was making a joke about our daughter having "all that long hair" and that they should charge us more for combing it. He was certainly a friendly person saying hello every time he saw me. May God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives. You remain in my most sincere prayers.