James Franklin Hearl, age 79, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 18, 2013, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was of the Baptist faith and retired from Builder's Supermarket after 43 years.
He was born to the late Joseph Daniel Hearl and Clara Pippin Hearl on December 7, 1933 in Washington County, VA. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Cora Lee Hearl.
Mr. Hearl is survived by five sons: Reverend Roger L. Hearl of Abingdon, VA; Michael W. Hearl and wife Donna of Abingdon, VA; James D. Hearl and wife Teresa of Abingdon, VA; Allen Hearl and wife Alisa of Bluff City, TN; and Randy L. Hearl of Chilhowie, VA; daughter, Patty Cox and husband Kenny of Mendota, VA; two step-daughters, Patsy Arnold of Bristol, VA and Connie Arnold and husband John of Saltville, VA; brother, Bud Hearl of Abingdon, VA; sister, Lillian Wynn of Danville, VA; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the Hearl family will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. A funeral service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Reverend Fred Reynolds officiating. The committal service will be held in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, and interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bott, Jim Gentry, William Gregory, Cody Hearl, David Hearl, Roger L. Hearl, Jr., Chris Lee, and Joe Reynolds.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.
The family of James Franklin Hearl is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).