Joe William Heddy, Jr.

Joe William Heddy, Jr. 1954-2017 Joe W. Heddy, Jr. known affectionately as “Pops” passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017. He was 63 years young. He was born in Memphis, TN in 1954 to Joe W. Heddy, Sr. and Louise Burress Heddy, both of whom have recently preceded him in death. After high school, Joe enlisted in the U. S. Army. After tours at home and overseas, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles” based out of Ft. Campbell, KY. It was during this assignment that he met the love of his life, Jill. Together, they traveled overseas and enjoyed life as newlyweds. Once back home in Memphis, they started a family welcoming first a daughter and then twin sons. Joe’s military career went on for another 25 years, serving with the Air National Guard in Memphis and the Air Force Reserves at Eglin AFB. He retired at the rank of MSGT earning multiple awards and ribbons during his service. Joe simultaneously carried on as a respected civil servant working for the Bureau of Prisons for over 20 years. He retired in 2005 as the Food Services Administrator for the Federal Prison Camp at Eglin, AFB. Even after retiring from both the military and federal service, Joe still felt compelled to serve the public. He went on to be a Detention Deputy for Escambia County and had filled that role for 8 years at the time of his death. He was well respected by both his peers and those he was watching over. To everyone else, Joe was a hardworking man that always had a smile and positive attitude. To his family, he was “Pops” the fun-loving grandfather. Taking care of his family was always his main priority. He had seven grandchildren: Jillian, Haley, Vivian “Cake”, Ryleigh, Garvin, Brooke and Lorelei who were his world. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jill; his children, Joy (Loren) Laub, Jeffrey (Becky) Heddy and Jason (Lyjah) Heddy; his sister, Joyce (Bill) Hutcherson; his niece Lisla Hutcherson and her children, Lainey, Emma and Nathan and his littlest companion, Chewee. Joe also leaves behind a large extended family that loved their “Uncle Joe” dearly. His presence will be painfully missed in our lives. Joe always had a smile and never met a stranger. His positive attitude and helpful spirit will be irreplaceable. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Pace Church of Christ, 4075 Berryhill Rd., Pace, FL with Minister David West and Brother Jimmy Blackman officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Joe will be laid to rest on Monday, June 26, 2017 in Tiplersville Cemetery, Tiplersville, MS. Pallbearers will be Robbie San Juan, Micah San Juan, Bill Hutcherson, Mark Avery, Raymond Brown and Jared Strickland. Honorary pallbearers will be the Escambia County Corrections Officers. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Joe William Heddy, Jr.

April 18, 1954 - June 17, 2017