We thank Judy Proctor for letting us know and sending us Gene Heafner's Obituary. We have many cherished memories of Gene at the trials at Indian, Cherryville and Catawba County. He will forever be in our hearts and so fondly remembered through the years. Gene and his grandson, Luke were a force to be reckoned with when they were actively participating at the trials. The family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. May you rest in peace and we were proud to know you and may you continue to watch over us all.
Garland Eugene 'Gene' Heafner January 7, 1928 - January 26, 2021
CROUSE, N.C. - On January 26, 2021 Mr. Gene Heafner, a lifelong resident of Crouse, entered Heaven, greeted by friends, family and loved ones. With many animated stories on his heart, his family is assured he has found a rocking chair and a good dog and has already started sharing stories with those family members who have gone on before him.
Hearing all that they have missed include his parents James Monroe and Vida Jones Heafner; his wife Margie Smith Heafner; a son, David Smith Heafner; a son-in-law, Larry Gilbert; and his siblings and their spouses, Beulah and Jack Dowdle, Veola Heafner, Edwin and Olivia Heafner, Louise and Yates Mauney, Paul and Beulah Heafner, Willena and Everette Dillingham, Orpha and Woody Blanton, Joe and Anna Heafner, Margaret and Paul Hill, Martha Sue and Roy Stinson, Frank and Molly Heafner and Ralph Heafner.
Gene enjoyed the outdoors, farming and running brace beagles. He exemplified grace, humor and a quiet faith that he shared throughout his life working at Hudson Hosiery of Shelby, as a former deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a truck driver with Carolina Freight, a faithful member of Crouse United Methodist Church and as a lifelong Democrat. However, these characteristics were never more apparent than when he was just being Papaw to those he loved.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Vicky Gilbert; sons, Chris Heafner (Pat), Willie Heafner (Debbie); and daughter-in-law Kathy Heafner; along with grandchildren Matthew Gilbert, Julie Heafner Lovett (Jason Black), Charlie Heafner, Luke Heafner, Logan Heafner, Maggie Heafner and Clay Heafner (Brooke); great-grandchildren Lawson Lovett, LuAnn Lovett, Anita Faith, Brody Heafner, Bryce Heafner; and sister-in-law Peggy Conner Heafner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with Pastor Tony Matthews officiating on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2 p.m. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Mr. Heafner will lie in state from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Warlick Funeral Home. The family will not be present.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Crouse, NC 28033. Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Heafner family