Funeral services for James Heidle, 91, of Clarkesville, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Stowe and the Rev. David Stancil officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery. In consideration of public health and safety the funeral service will be private and will be live streamed to the Hillside Memorial Chapel Facebook page at 2 p.m.
Mr. Heidle went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021.
Born July 3, 1929, in Longbranch, Texas, he was son of the late Clem Monroe Heidle and Lucy Kellar Heidle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Rebecca Darnell Heidle; and his brother, Anderson Heidle.
James and Beckie made their home in Clayton County where they were members of Forest Park Baptist Church for many years. There Mr. Heidle served as a deacon and in many other capacities. In 1993, they moved to the mountains of north Georgia where they lived for the past 27 years and became members of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He simply loved the Lord, no matter where he lived.
Known for his gift of service, Mr. Heidle spent many years serving with the Wednesday Night Supper crew at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Being a part of the WNS crew gave him an opportunity to visit weekly with all who came through his serving line, where they enjoyed not only his quick wit but his love for the people he served. In addition, his gardening skills were notorious, and if you happened to come for a visit you were treated to fresh vegetables from his garden. All you had to do was step out onto his deck and choose from the vegetables displayed on the table under his awning. Also, for all who knew him, he was known for his love of NASCAR.
Mr. Heidle also had a love for keeping his lawn immaculate. Living in the woods at Riverwilde, his yard was the one green oasis in the midst of all the natural beauty surrounding his home.
After his service in the United States Army during the Korean War, Mr. Heidle had the privilege of working for the same company throughout his work career. For 45 years, he drove a truck for Georgia Highway Express, which later became known as Transus. Displaying his loyalty in the workplace as an employee as well as his commitment to provide for his family, he missed work only once, during an extended illness. Mr. Heidle loved the Lord and it showed by his commitment to the greatest joy in life, his family. He loved the visits during special occasions or just a visit to come by.
Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Lee and son-in-law, Jack of Clarkesville; son, James Michael Heidle "Mike" and daughter-in-law, Kathy of McDonough; his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa," John Lee (Debbie) of Gastonia, North Carolina, Joel Lee of Clarkesville, Jaclyn Lee of Clarkesville, Heather Reagan (Ted) of McDonough, and Brian Heidle (Amber) of McDonough; great-grandchildren, Maggie Lee of Gastonia, North Carolina, Hannah Lee of Clarkesville, Jackson Lee of Gastonia, North Carolina, Madeline Reagan of McDonough, Wilson Reagan of McDonough, Charlotte Reagan of McDonough, and Grayson Heidle of McDonough. Also surviving are nephews, Gregory Heidle, Brian Heidle, Carl Heidle, and Jimmy Heidle, all of Concord. Special cousin, Billie Fyke of Pearland, Texas also survives, as well as brother-in-law, Roger Darnell (Sandy) of Fayetteville, sisters-in-law Charlotte Darnell of Fayetteville, and Brenda Darnell of Fayetteville, brother-in-law, Ken Egan of Fayetteville, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
An online guest book is available to express condolences at hillsidememorialchapel.com.
The family extends a very special thank you to the staff of Magnolia Hills and caregivers Gail, Connie, and Paige. Also, we extend a very special thank you to the staff at Habersham Home West and Hospice nurses Beth, Heather, and Amy.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be given to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000 in memory of Mr. Heidle.
Arrangements are in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.