Frank Heafner, 86, of 2948 Landers Church Rd., died February 12, 2009 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Lincoln Co. on March 27, 1922 a son of the late
Everette and Lula Summer Heafner. Frank was a longtime member of Crouse
United Methodist Church, founding member of Crouse Fire Dept., former
president and founder of the Tri County Horseman’s, former 4-H leader,
show horse owner, multi talented wood worker and a great father to his
children, stepchildren and grandchildren.
Frank was an icon around Cherryville and a NASCAR pioneer. He was
retired owner of Heafner’s Garage after 40 years, master mechanic, and
engine builder. He was successful race car builder and built a car for
the first Charlotte 500 and owned three race cars which were driven by
Bobby Isaacs and Ned Jarrett. He also was a founder of the Gaston Gear
Grinders Hot Rod Club, veteran of the US Army having served in WW II,
former member of American Legion Post #100, and an avid bowler and
dancer, and also a former member of Peach Bottom Hunt Club.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first
wife Tenny D. Heafner, two brothers Pete and Hall Heafner, and a sister
Bonnie Morrison.
Survivors include his wife Doris Wayman Howell Heafner, two
daughters Phyllis Thornburg and husband Gary of Cherryville and Amy
Tallent of Crouse, three step children, Carol Hartsoe and husband
Steve, of Jefferson ,Bill Howell and wife Mary, and Tommy Howell and
wife Kathy both of West Jefferson, three grandchildren, Kevin and
Suzanne Thornburg of Crouse, Kirk Thornburg, Cherryville and Josh
Tallent, Crouse, step grandchildren Stephanie Jones, Jason Hartsoe both
of Jefferson, Dr.’ Travis and Leigh Howell, Winston Salem and Kristy
and Jamie Brooks, Ashburn, VA, great grandsons Trent and Nate Thornburg
, Cherryville,step grewat grandchildren, Hunter and Matthew Jones
Jefferson, John Howell of Winston Salem and Will Brooks, Ashburn, VA.
brother Wes Heafner, Crouse, two sisters Margaret and Joe Craig,
Charlotte, and Rachel and Frank Shuford , Bessemer City., and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 PM at Crouse United
Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Evans and Rev. Rick Fite officiating
with burial in City Memorial Cemetery, Cherryville. The family will
receive friends Saturday at Carpenter’s Funeral Home from 6-8:30 PM and
at other at the home.
Memorials may be made to Crouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Crouse , NC , 28033
Condolences to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net
