Charles Norman Hefner Jr.

Charles Norman Hefner, Jr., a fourth generation Houstonian, died on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the age of 87 with his family gathered by his side. Charles was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend; lovingly referred to as “Papa.” He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever be etched into the hearts of those fortunate enough to know and love him.

Charles was born in Houston, TX on December 7, 1936, to the late Charles Norman Hefner and Mary Hallie Berry. He grew up in the neighborhood of Southampton, near Rice University, where his mother graduated from in 1930. Charles was a man of the Lord. As a young boy, he spent his Sundays at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Houston, and was spiritually influenced by his beloved grandmother, Louie Todd Berry, who loved reading scriptures from the Bible to him and his brother, Jim. He was very proud of both the Hefner and Berry family legacies and loved sharing stories with his children and grandchildren. He had a fantastic memory and could recite these stories in grand detail. One story in particular he loved sharing was about his great-grandfather, James Berry, who travelled on March 12, 1836, from Kentucky to Houston, to fight at The Battle of San Jacinto as a 1st Lieutenant in The Army of the Republic of TX under General Sam Houston.

Charles was a very handsome man that was blessed with a multitude of talent. His athleticism, musicality and intellect are to be noted. He ran track in high school and was an avid golfer and tennis player. He was astute at singing and playing the guitar, as well as the harmonica. While he attended college, he was a member of a local musical trio called “The Cleffs”. Charles loved to sing, even in his later years.

Charles was a remarkable man full of curiosity, with a zest for knowledge. He had an avid desire to learn, analyze and offer wisdom to anyone who would listen, especially his family. His intellect as a historian was unparalleled. He read hundreds of books, watched documentaries and traveled extensively. He prided himself in reading the Houston Chronicle and Wall Street Journal daily.

Charles was an incredible storyteller, full of insight and enthusiasm. He loved every opportunity to share and recount his experiences and life lessons. He stayed sharp-minded and always had an answer for anything presented to him. In the unlikely event he did not have answers, he would research and learn and share his knowledge.

All of his God-given talents made Charles a natural salesman. In 1959, while working at Rodney’s clothing store in the Village, he was approached by an employee of W. A. Kyle Company. He told him he would make a great salesman for their company. Thus began his career in medical sales. He continued to work for nearly 60 years, throughout which he owned and operated his company, “Premier Medical Products.’ His company was responsible for selling medical device products across several states. Charles found great joy in working with his clients, customers and vendors. He especially loved working with his son, Brian, who joined him in 2006. For 16 years, they made great memories travelling together throughout their territory from sales calls to business trips and conventions.

Charles was a very proud man, of his entire family, especially his three children. His eldest son, Charles Norman Hefner III (Chip), is a successful dentist and Charles often spoke of Chip’s intelligence and many talents. He was a great influence on his son’s desire to learn to play musical instruments such as the piano, guitar and fiddle. Charles always wanted everyone to know how wonderful of a son Chip was to him. Charles deeply loved his daughter, Kelly, and continuously showered her in compliments. He cherished all of the memories they shared together. He was extremely proud of his little girl, often telling her he couldn’t have asked for a better daughter from God. Charles also took great pride in sharing part of his business life with his youngest, Brian, as he was joyfully able to work alongside him. He always shared how blessed he was with such a smart and caring son. He deeply loved and adored all three of his children, often sharing how blessed he was to have such compassionate children that showed him deep love.

Charles was a beloved husband to Ruby Hefner of nearly 30 years. They shared a wonderful life together and he loved her greatly. They worked together, played golf together, traveled the world and enjoyed sharing in each other’s wisdom about anything and everything. They have two beloved dogs, Coco and Chloe. Charles enjoyed taking Coco on golf cart rides and showering her with treats. In his later years, Ruby was an excellent caregiver to Charles, caring with love and compassion.

Family was the utmost importance to Charles, especially as he gained his title “Papa.” He cherished every moment spent surrounded by his loved ones. He treasured each bond he shared with his family members. Charles prided himself greatly on having such a wonderful family, full of life and love.

Charles is survived by his children, Chip Hefner and wife Julie of Nederland, Kelly Roebuck and husband Mike of Nederland, Brian Hefner and wife Kristen of Montgomery; his 10 grandchildren, Hallie Zimmerman and husband Weston, Hayden and Chase Hefner; Natalie Benz, Michael Roebuck and wife Hannah, Christopher Roebuck and wife Mallory, Ryan Roebuck, Ellie, Lindsey and Brock Hefner; his 10 great-grandchildren with a new great due Feb. 2025, Sawyer, Owen, Remy and Sully Benz, Riley, Blake and Tripp Roebuck, Charlie, Millie, Phillip and Baby Roebuck.

Charles’s family would like to thank his beloved caregivers, Gabby, Marlen and Lorena for the love, care and comfort they provided to Charles over the past 12 months.

Charles will be laid to rest at Brookside Memorial Park. This 140 acre parcel of land was originally owned by Charles’s great grandfather, James Berry, in 1836 after his family relocated from Kentucky.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Panorama Golf Club with the memorial service at 1:30pm with Pastor Albert Clavijo officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Charles' memory to a charity of you choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Hefner family.