Joseph Heffington

Joseph Robert Heffington passed away on Tuesday, June 26th, 2018 at his home surrounded by music, family, dogs…everything he loved. Services will take place Friday June 29th at First Presbyterian in Kerrville, Texas at 2 pm. \r\n\r\nJoe was born Dec. 24th, 1940 in Terrell, Texas to Elsie Alvoy and Joseph Elard Heffington. Joe grew up in Dallas, Texas. His father died when he was 14-years-old. Joe devoted his life to taking care of his mother, by working different jobs, which included a newspaper route. He was a dedicated son and brother, watching over his mom and sister until their death. \r\n\r\nAt age 17, Joe joined the Air Force and was stationed in London and France, where he played basketball for the Air Force, a sport which he dearly loved as evident by his constant support of the game and avid fan of the Spurs. \r\n\r\nJoe attended North Texas State University in Denton while raising a family and traveling to Dallas for work. Joe attended University of Texas Law School in Austin. When the Dean of the Law School presented Joe his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1968, he stopped and said, "This is a first. The first time I ever had a graduate of UT Law School who did not graduate from High School or College." That is an indicator of Joe's raw intelligence and determination.\r\n\r\nAfter 50 years as a prominent attorney in Austin, Texas, Joe received a certificate from The State Bar of Texas for his exemplary service. In 1993, after his marriage to Susan Heffington, he moved his law practice to Kerrville, Texas while maintaining his practice in Austin. \r\nIn 1992, Joe met Susan, his best friend, wife and love for life. They were married 26 years. Deliriously happy, they played and sang their music with friends and loved ones. Joe was a gifted song-writer and musician. In 1999, tragedy struck when Joe lost his kidney function, which began constant care, concern and treatment resulting in a kidney transplant in 2007, lovingly given to him by his precious great niece, Peyton Hayslip.\r\n\r\nJoe was preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith Robert Heffington; granddaughter, Taylor Lauren Heffington; and sister, Toni Stallings. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Wendy Heffington-Rahmen (Shaf) of Monroe, North Carolina; son, Derek Heffington of Pflugerville, Texas; step-son, Jordan Francis (Leticia) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Brian Heffington, Jessica Freisen, Sean and Cody Hoskins, Shauna Lewis and Miles Francis; and many great-grandchildren. Nieces and nephews include: Sherry Hayslip Smith (Cole), Michael Stallings, Robin Stallings (Gayle), and Melissa (Judah).\r\n\r\nThe family wishes to thank those who helped to make Joe's life easier: Carrie Rothrock, Bonnie Lubberstadt, Tammy Moore, Debbie Keech, the Kerrville VA, Dr. Nat Sanderson, and Peterson Hospice.\r\n\r\nThe world lost the finest man. A great father, loving husband and devoted friend.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian of Kerrville or Hill Country Youth Ranch.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n