Fredrick Franklin Heavner, a.k.a. “D.D.”, passed away peacefully Friday, March 17, 2017, surrounded by family. Fred was born in Lincolnton, NC on November 14, 1938, the son of the late William Victor Heavner and Ruth Hubbard Heavner. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Erma Wilborn Heavner and brother, Bill Heavner. Fred graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1957 and Gardner Webb Junior College in 1959, where he played football for both. After serving in the Army, he completed his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1965. His career with Phillips 66 Petroleum began in February of 1965 and brought him lifelong friendships with Jack Hensley and Rayford Pate. Fred was a raised Mason and member of Corinthian Lodge No. 230, in Rocky Mount, NC, for 47 years. Fred joined the Sudan Shriners of Rocky Mount, NC on May 22, 1971. Fred was an avid golfer and skier who loved to travel. His family’s second residence was in Emerald Isle, NC, where he loved to surf fish, enjoyed rocking on the front porch, sipping Muscadine wine and eating Eastern NC BBQ and boiled peanuts. The family named the house “Heavner’s Haven” and considered it “a place where all the problems of the world were solved”. Fred was a hard worker, dedicated family man and loved to help others.
Left to cherish his memory is his brother, Joe R. Heavner and wife Peg, Aunt Carolyn Sigmon, two sons and two daughters; Rick Lister, Valerie Rockeman and husband Jeff, Dale Lister and wife Kim, Michelle Heavner Rhoads and husband David. Fred had six grandchildren; Zach, Katlyn, McCrae, Colsen, Peyton and Camryn, one great granddaughter, Aubrey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be two gatherings in honor of Fred’s life: Saturday, April 1, 2017, 2pm–5pm at the home of Michelle and David Rhoads located at 2441 Salem Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, and Saturday, April 8, 2017,in the Rocky Mount, NC area to be determined. Family and friends are welcome to visit during these time frames and share their memories. The family will place some of his ashes at his wife’s gravesite and some will be scattered at his favorite haven, Emerald Isle, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Office of Development
2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, Florida 33607
Phone: 844-739-0849
Online: Shriners Hopsitals for Children Donations
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-3999
Phone: 301-402-5311
Online: Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Donation
Past Services
Service
Saturday April 01, 2017
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Additional Information:
This gathering will be an intimate celebration of Fred’s life at the home of Michelle and David Rhoads located at:
2441 Salem Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Service
Saturday April 08, 2017
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Additional Information:
An intimate gathering to honor Fred’s life among old friends and family at a location to be determined and announced. Please check back for details.
Fred and I grew up together one block apart with Fred being a year older…We were close in so many things upto to college age, but kept in contact through the years…We shared a mutual love for football together and competed hard against and for each other….A special respect and relationship existed as he led our team into play, and this rapport stood the test of time……When Fred left this earth, a lot of me also left with him, and I will miss him and his constant email contact tremendously …Interestingly enough, I inherited a 1923 Lincolnton High School yearbook and in the football picture for that year listed as team mates was Fred’s Dad,Vic and my Dad Graydon…..History was just repeating itself a generation later….Thank you Lord for placing Fred Heavner in my life and that we were able to be friends and team mates and stay in contact through the years…For Fred’s loved ones, please comfort them and have them always aware that he lived a great life of value in providing for them and assisting them.
With deep regret and great respect,
Gene M. Shuford
I loved Fred’s smile and his warmth. Sending my love and prayers to Michelle, Val, Rick and Dale and the rest of the family members and friends who mourn his loss. Only the knowledge of eternal life can make the loss of a parent bearable. Blessings. Colleen