Walter Heffinger, Jr.

Walter Heffinger, Jr. of Independence, 80, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, August 20, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1946 to William and Gladys Heffinger in Marion, Virginia.

Junior loved Jesus and his family. After proudly serving in the United States Army, he married Dorothy Hamm Heffinger in 1967.

Junior was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was gifted with his hands and had a talent for building, creating, and fixing just about anything. He especially enjoyed restoring old tractors, taking pride in the time and work it took to bring them back to life. He was a faithful member and deacon of Fellowship Baptist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by his brothers, Billy (Betty) Heffinger, Joe (Loretta) Heffinger, and Charlie (Dorothy) Heffinger; and brothers-in-law, Dave Hamm and Tom Burcham.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and Shannon Lawrence; grandchildren and their spouses, Hayley (Chase) Brennan and Will (Caylin) Lawrence; and great-grandsons, Brooks Brennan and Liam Lawrence.

He is also survived by his sisters: Doris Hamm and Tootsie (Ron) Mabe.

Surviving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ann (Craylin) Shuler, Susan (Johnny) Anderson, James (Janet) Hamm, Evon Burcham, Betty (Ricky) Spencer, Sherry (Rex) Wooten, Mary Jane Hicks, Libby (Mark) Milligan, Tammy (Mike) Hale, and Rhonda (Dennis) Blevins.

Junior leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life and whom he loved dearly.

Junior’s life was centered around his faith and his family. He will be remembered for his love of Jesus, his generous way of caring for those around him, his many talents and the memories he made with his family over the years. His 59 years of marriage, his role as a father, a papaw, a brother and an uncle, and the relationships he shared with his family and friends are a lasting part of the life he leaves behind.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Bro. Derek Cowan officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow in the Chestnut Hill Cemetery with military rites by Grayson VFW Post 7726. 

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Heffinger family.