Mr. Raymond “Sheriff” L. Heffington, age 85, passed away at his daughter’s home in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee on July 14, 2014.
Sheriff was born on December 10, 1928 to the late John Heffington and the late Eunice Oliver Heffington in Moorehouse, Missouri. He was married to Janice Thomas Heffington who preceded him in death on October 30, 2011 after 48 years of marriage. He was a retiree of Stauffer and he and Janice raised their family together during this time of his life.
Ray was passionate about his trade of cabinet making and made cabinets for hundreds of homes from Tennessee to Alabama and even in Arizona. He never used a level on his work and his trademark saying was, “looks good to me”.
Ray served honorably during the Korean War, serving both in the Army then the Air Force. He was a Prisoner of War in Korea for 5 days while in the Army, then he was honorably discharged in 1951. At that time, he joined the Air Force and served until 1959. He was a member of the Ed. T. Workman Lodge # 610 Masonic Lodge in Mt. Pleasant. He was also a member of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees and the Radio Ranger Club.
“Sheriff” gained his nick-name from serving as chief deputy at the Maury County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Toots Witherspoon. He has been called Sheriff ever since. He was a true cowboy with more GRIT than John Wayne. He loved to go “boot scootin” (dancing) and have a great time. He never met a stranger and would help anyone, even if they didn’t necessarily need it. He enjoyed playing rook and aggravation with the McCanless, Malugin and Pruitt families. He also enjoyed his morning breakfast at the large table with the Liar’s Club. He was of the Christian faith.
Sheriff is survived by his children: Wanda Ray Stanfill and Eddie Prince, Jr.; grandchildren: Kayla Stanfill, Emily Stanfill, Eddie Prince, III and Chris Allen; great-grandchildren: Chad Prince and Haley Madison; brother: Doug (Sandy) Heffington; special friends: Stephanie Barnes and Joshlyn Barnes; and forever wanted daughters: Betty Eskew and Lynn Morman. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Janice Heffington; daughter: Deborah K. Parker; siblings: Wanda Lou Heffington, Mancel Heffington and Louise “Weezy” Sparks and a selfless mother, Rose Bishop Graham, who gave Ray and Janice the opportunity to be parents and grandparents.
The family would like to give special thanks to Adam Bedwell with Prestige Physical Therapy; Brenda Malugin and Pam Holland with Caris Healthcare; Quality First Home Health, Annie, Lynn, Sig and Cyndi; NHC Hillview; Paula and Staff; Dr. Smith at Maury Regional Medical Center; and all the special friends that stopped by during Sheriff’s extended illness.
The family will celebrate Sheriff’s life with a memorial service at a later date and a private family inurnment will be held at Polk Memorial Gardens.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Williams Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses for Ray.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at .
