The Reverend Robert Lee Heflin, Sr.

In Loving Memory Of Robert L. Heflin, "A Man Of Peace"
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God"
(Matthew 5:9)
 

Robert Lee Heflin, Sr. was a Chambers County, Alabama native, born November 10, 1924, to the parentage of the late James and Dora (Fuller) Heath Heflin. Once he came on the scene, the whole world knew he was "a man before his time" and would never be the same. Though he was short in stature, Reverend R.L. Heflin had an outreach that extended around the world.

As a young man, Reverend Heflin served our grateful nation in the United States Armed Forces during World War II, and was honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Army.

On March 13, 1948, he wed the former Miss Tavie Lee Clark with whom he remained faithfully connected for sixty-eight (68) wonderful years. Their union was both a Godly and fruitful union, giving rise to five (5) children each of whom grew into dynamic citizens of the world.

Reverend Heflin returned home to evolve into our community's most beloved pastor. He embraced the Word Of God as the "Roadmap" of life and throughout his life, of all we ever saw of him, was his daily walk of life, as he lived among us, how diligently he worked to live and exemplify that life. He joined Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church in Roanoke, Alabama, where he remained a faithful member until death.

His church life was extraordinary. At Peace and Goodwill, he served as a Deacon. After answering the call into the ministry, he pastored many churches: (Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church (Bacon Level), Roseline Baptist Church, Millerville, Alabama; Antioch Baptist Church, Wedowee, Alabama; and Friendship Baptist Church (Wadley-Broughton Commuity).

Aside from all of his religious involvements, Pastor Heflin mentored many a young pastor thereby adding to his extensive list of pastors-in-training.

Also, during his extensive tenure as a minister, Reverend Heflin served as Moderator of the East Alabama Union District Association (Of Churches), and was a strong member and participant and supporter of the NorthEast District State Convention.

He exemplified "good citizenship" servng as a member of the Randolph County Rescue Squad; and serving on the board of directors of Randolph County DHR. He was long-time chairman of Randolph County's Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) and was a long-time board member of Randolph County Alabama Chapter of the NAACP, SCLC and The Concerned Citizens of Roanoke and Randolph County.

The above accomplishments are but a tip of the iceberg when one considers the height, width, breadth and and depth of his life.

Reverend Heflin was preceded in death by two (2) sons: Stoney Heflin and Walter Heflin; three (3) brothers: John, Ben, and Tom Heflin; and two (2) Sisters: Annie Lois Wright, Dolina Hines, and Lema Ruth Heflin.

His transition from this life to the next, came in the form of a merciful interruption to the physical agony, pain, and dis-order that had seized his life. We can just imagine God's voice as He proclaimed with a shout "NO MORE! NO MORE! Sickness NO MORE!" Pain! NO MORE!! TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED. AND DO MY PROPHET NO HARM!!" (Chronicles 16:22). In humble submission to God, He closed his eyes, and departed this life on Tuesday, May 10, at the Bethany House Hospice in Opelika, Alabama.

Reverend Heflin leaves to cherish many fond and loving memories: his beloved wife, Tavie Lee Clark Heflin of Roanoke, Alabama; two sons: Rev. Robert Heflin, Jr. (Jacqulyn) of Edgefield, South Carolina; Thomas Heflin of Roanoke, Alabama; one (1) daughter: Mrs. Annette Thornton (Dr. Alvin Thornton) of Upper Marboro, Maryland; two (2) sisters: Jimmie Dora Grier of Roanoke, Alabama, and Ida Houston of New York, New York; two (2) sisters-in-law: Grace Davis of Southfield, Michigan, and Ida Mitchell of Rochester, New York; twelve (12) grandchildren; a great host of great-grandchildren and great-great grand-children; in addition to the many many non-biological sons and daughters who regarded him as "father" figure in their lives)
 

The Life and Legacy Of Reverend R. L. Heflin