Charles Heffner

Charles "Charlie" John Heffner died Thursday, January 21, 2010, at Holston Valley Medical Center. Charlie will always be remembered as a "friend to the youth". He loved the game of baseball, and he had a deep love for children of all ages. He also had an undeniable love for Jesus Christ, who he accepted as his Lord and Savior at the age of 64. Charlie was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church.

He was born in Egypt, PA, in 1919, the sixth of twelve children. He came to Kingsport in 1939 as a professional baseball player with the Kingsport Cherokees. Charlie was an outstanding umpire for 42 years. He was a wonderful role model for thousands of kids. He used umpiring as a great opportunity to witness on the field, showing athletes the important things in life while using baseball as a tool. Charlie made a difference in the lives of young people, and there is no greater achievement than having a positive influence on children. He retired from the Kingsport Press after working there for 36 years. Charlie served in the United States Army during WWII.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Willie Nell Daugherty Heffner; his parents, Frank and Anna Heffner; brothers, Frank, John, Steve, Joseph, Edward, and Joe; sisters, Theresa, Anna, and Arlene; and a granddaughter, Faith.

He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Heffner and Janet Wells and husband Jim; grandchildren, Jasen Wells, Janea Carter, Dr. Jimmie Glenn, Bryan Williams, Janet Nixon, and Weston Williams; great-grandchildren, C.J. Wells, Jayna Wells, Mikaela Carter, Clay Carter, Brennan Williams, Kyndal Williams, Alexis Williams, Kera Williams, Daniel Wilder, Josh Dorsey, and Matt Dorsey; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. with Dr. Roc Collins officiating.

Graveside services will be on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Dr. David Phillips officiating. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.