Charles Matthew Heckert, Jr., loving husband to Joanna and devoted father to Alyssa, died suddenly at Shoals Hospital on Saturday evening, August 18, 2018.
Born on May 12th, 1971, as a child Matthew lived in several northeastern states as his family moved to establish missionary churches led by his father. He paid his way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His amazing engineering talent was appreciated and enjoyed by all who knew him. It seemed he knew how every gadget worked, could fix any of them, and loved sharing his knowledge with others. During his more than 20 years working as an engineer, he was employed at Schlegel in Rochester, NY (1995-2003); JR Clancy in Syracuse, NY (2004-2006); Xylem, Inc in Auburn, NY (2007-2014); and finally for the past four years at North American Lighting in Muscle Shoals, AL.
Matthew served our country in the New York Army National Guard from 1990-1996, being called to active duty during the First Gulf War. His hobbies ranged from motorcycles, to military vehicles, Legos, engines, firearms, philosophy and history. His encyclopedic knowledge and enthusiasm for all these things was contagious and a joy to behold. Matthew was active in his church, First Baptist of Killen, where he was a respected member and worshiped whenever the doors were open.
Although Matthew’s Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called him home before we were ready, heaven is richer for it as he worships at Jesus’ feet and delights the saints with his presence and conversation. He is survived by his wife, Joanna Sue Hughes Heckert; seven year old daughter, Alyssa Jolene Heckert; and sisters, Karis Manning of Rochester, New York, and Stephanie Heckert of Dallas, Oregon.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Killen on Saturday, August 25, at 11 a.m. with Brother David McKelvey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com
