Obituary of Bro. Richard Hawkins Heatherly

Bro. Richard Hawkins Heatherly, age 87, of Portland passed away on August 17, 2023 at his home.  Mr. Heatherly was born on March 16, 1936 in Springfield, TN to the late Willard McKinley Heatherly and Louise McClura Travis Heatherly.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Christie Carol Miller Heatherly; brothers, James, Tom, Willard, Jr., Charles, Tony and Johnny Heatherly; sisters, Mary Francis Harper, Josephine Cox, Geneva Herndon and Carolyn Duggar.  He is survived by his sons, Wade (Debbie) Heatherly of Mayfield, Ky; Steve (Kathy) Heatherly of Huntsville, AL; Nathan Heatherly of  Johns Island, SC; his daughters, Lynn (Rick) Apple of Castalian Springs, TN; Hannah (Tracy) Martin of Gallatin TN, and Rachel (Billy) Simmons of Flintville, TN; brother HL (Polly) Heatherly; and sister Elizabeth Anderson; grandchildren, Greer (Heather) Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, Dalton Simmons, Andrew Simmons, Bryce Heatherly, and Wyatt Heatherly; great-grandchildren, Benton Kennedy, Evy Mae Kennedy, and surrogate great-grandchildren, Nila Choate, Levi Choate and Ezra Choate.

On September 28, 1958 he married Christie Carol Miller and during their 48-year life together, they raised their six children in a Godly home. Christie went home to be with her Lord on January 20, 2006. After surrendering to the call to preach, Richard preached the gospel and TRUTH of God’s Word for over 60 years. He served as pastor to many churches in several states with his final pastorate being at Little Obion Baptist Church in Wingo, KY. He loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, taking care of animals and raising fish, but one of his greatest joys was preaching the truth of God’s Word when he was given the opportunity, never wavering on his convictions.  In his final days, Richard was weary, and his eyes turned more toward heaven, looking forward to his “homegoing” to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing that saying goodbye here on earth is only temporary, those that know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will see Richard again one day. Richard was dearly loved by his family and friends, and until they meet again, will be missed by all especially his children.

Funeral service will be Saturday, August 26^th at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin with burial to follow at Houston-Whitworth Cemetery in Deason, TN.  Visitation will be Friday, August 25^th from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 26^th from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Houston-Whitworth Cemetery Fund C/o Charles Armstrong, 435 Old Nashville Dirt Road, Shelbyville, TN  37160.  The obituary has been lovingly written by the family.  Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com.

Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin, 100 E. Albert Gallatin Avenue, Gallatin, TN  37066.  615-452-7115. Obituary line 615-452-5900.  E-mail:  familyheritagefh@gmail.com.