John Lewis Heins

Mr. John Lewis Heins, 88 of Lake Murray, died on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Born on April 1, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY, he grew up in Garden City, NY where he played every sport, worked dozens of jobs while also serving as a volunteer firefighter. He was a 1959 graduate of Hofstra University where he played lacrosse. He was predeceased by the love of his life and favorite Saraband Club dance partner, Lyn P. Heins, his parents John L. and Adele J. Heins, and his twin sister Joan H. Chase.

He was father to three children, Kim Sanders (Chuck) of Columbia, Johnny Heins of Charlotte, and Richie Heins (Jeannette) of Charlotte, who counted him as both trusted confidant and treasured friend.

He loved his grandchildren: Ashley Odom (Adam), Molly Belhiteche (Florian), Chad Sanders, Whitney Heins and Andy Heins (Maddi) and his great-grandchildren: Carrie Lyn and Ella Odom and Charlotte and Anne Belhiteche.

John served his country and retired as Captain in the US Army. After completing his military service, he spent the remainder of his career working for multiple United Ways around the country finishing as President of the United Way of the Midlands, where he led for 25 years, raising millions of dollars and helping thousands of citizens each year in our community. Additionally, he served in leadership roles with United Way International, helping expand its reach throughout the world and in United Way of America’s Ten Key Cities. His years of distinguished service earned the State of South Carolina’s The Order of the Palmetto and the Key to the City of Columbia in 1996.

Some of his greatest memories were made coaching his children in various sports, playing golf, and spending summers boating, skiing and sailing Lake Murray. Deep friendships were fostered in that very place he called home.

Mornings and evenings, you knew where he would be, reading his Bible, listening to his favorite online sermons and praying for all those he called friends and family.

John will be buried in the St. Michael and All Angels cemetery where he served on the vestry for many years before moving to Lake Murray. Brian Rainwater, friend and former pastor at Mt. Horeb will officiate funeral service at Caughman Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be given to the Lyn P. Heins Endowed Scholarship at Wingate University. PO Box 159 Wingate, North Carolina 28174