Charley Roy Hefner

Abingdon, VA Charley Roy Hefner, age 98, passed Friday, May 29, 2015, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. In the peaceful event of a Christian’s passing, his wake is evidence of his travel in life. In this case, a well written book of ninety-eight years simply scribed with the message that “Christ is the only answer in one’s life” on every page. Mr. Charley Roy Hefner finished up his last chapter and ended it with the words “The Beginning” on May 29, 2015. Born in 1916 and laying on his death bed at the age of nine, he learned to call on the name of the Lord from his church days with his grandmother. And that he did. Accepting the Lord as his Savior, God gave him his marching orders to be a witness. With God in his heart and Jesus on his lips, thousands of people were blessed by Charley’s life. Brother Charley retired after 38 years of service from Appalachian Power Company, and was a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Having a missionary challenge on the home front, he held services at a rescue mission for 53 years in Bristol. His faithful service was well noted by all he came in contact with. Loved by all and admired by many, his absence will be sorely felt. His life lives on in the stories and memories of all who mention his name. He is preceded in death by his lovely wife Lalah (Ann) of 59 years; parents, Howard Lee Hefner and JoAnna Bennett Hefner; and three brothers, Robert Hefner, James Hefner, and Paul Hefner. Rejoicing evermore began when he was met at the gates of heaven at 8:30 on Friday night. He is survived by three sons: former Marine and retired Coast Guard Petty Officer John Paul Hefner and wife Betty of Abingdon, VA; Retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Hefner and wife Linda of Hubert, NC; retired Navy Senior Chief Ray Hefner and wife Barbara of Millington, TN; one daughter, Ellen Kay Ellis of Abingdon, VA who has given most of her adult life in service to others; brother, Calvin Hefner; sister, Gladys Gerhart of Delaware; a host of grandchildren great-grandchildren who have all been blessed with the life of Christ in Brother Charley; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Abingdon, VA. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Treadway officiating. A graveside committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2015, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Deacons and members of the church serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be John Robert Hefner, Brian Scott Hefner, Chris Hefner, Nathan Hill, Patrick Campbell, and Heirin Campbell. Those wishing to attend the committal are asked to convene at the cemetery by 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Hefner family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.