JOHNNY HEFFLEY 1952 - 1953 RADIO MECHANIC FTW ACF? OBITUARY John Paul“Johnny” Heffley, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away into the waiting arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 12, 2009 surrounded by his wife and children at home in a room that was filled with so much love for this wonderful man. Johnny was born to Floyd and Bessie (Dickey) Heffley on February 7, 1934 in Mt. Judea, Arkansas. At the age of 3, his family moved to Texas. After graduation from Collinsville High School in 1952, he worked at Central Airlines in Ft. Worth as a radio mechanic. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed a short time in Germany, France & Luxembourg. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of North Texas. On June 5, 1959 he married his “Dream Girl” Sarah Morales at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton. Mr. Heffley worked for Moore Business Forms for 15 years as a Graphic Artist, Forms Design Supervisor & Assistant Manager Sales Promotion. In 1974, he went freelance and worked as a self-employed Commercial Artist for 25 years before retiring. Johnny enjoyed singing and playing his banjo at the Denton Courthouse-on-the-Square on Saturday mornings. Weekday evenings he played his banjo with a small band at various nursing homes in Collinsville, Pilot Point, and Gainesville and on Saturday nights at the community centers in Mountain Springs, Celina, and Van Alstyne. Mr. Heffley was passionate about fishing and loved the outdoors. In the last several years, he made many acquaintances during his daily walks around Denton. As a gifted artist, his paintings and drawings were gorgeous and brought joy to his family. Much of his artwork chronicled his real-life experiences and will be forever cherished by his family. He recently turned his interests to writing poetry. He was a talented songwriter and his family will forever treasure the CD of original music that he recorded of some of the many songs he wrote. Mr. Heffley never spoke an unkind word about anyone and was always willing to help anyone. He was a loving father and grandfather. An honest, Christian man, he led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the value of family and life lessons to guide them. The stories he told and the love he gave will carry his family through many generations. Papa was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He was the best Papa! Visitation is 6 - 8pm Thursday, October 15, at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, TX. Funeral service, officiated by Father Victor Cruz, is 1 p.m. Friday, October 16 in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers are his son, Scott Heffley, his grandsons Ross Hammond, Christopher Hammond, and John Paul Heffley, III, and nephews Ken Stanley, Jr. and David Bishop. John is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sarah, and his children Julie Hammond, Cindy Heffley, John Paul Heffley, Jr. and wife Jan, Scott Heffley and wife Barbara; grandchildren Ross, Christopher, and Katie Hammond; John Paul, III, “Jonathan”, Jasmine, Jillian and Jared Heffley; and Annie and Joseph Heffley; sisters Lois Brock and Anna Cline, and brother Gerald Heffley. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ormand, Bunk, Dale, and Jim Heffley, granddaughter Jordan Heffley, and son-in-law David Hammond. -Denton Record Chronicle on Oct 14, 2009 JOHN PAUL HEFFLEY Born 07 Feb 1934 Died 12 Oct 2009 Age 75 At 76201 (Denton, Denton, TX) SSN issued in Texas -SSDI (12/28/09)