Joseph "Joey" Walter Heckman

Service to his community was a hallmark of his life. Beginning at a young age, Joey was an Eagle Scout and then became a firefighter with New Bern Fire Department and an EMT with Bridgeton Rescue. He transitioned into law enforcement where he served 30 years with Havelock Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff's Office and retired as a Captain with the Craven County Sheriff's Office. Joey was the president of the Craven County Law Enforcement Association for more than 20 years. He was a member of Doric Masonic Lodge No. 568 A.F. & A.M. and the New Bern Shrine where he served as past director of the Chef Crew. Joey was very social and never met a stranger. Family was the most important aspect of Joey's life and he loved spending time with them, especially during the summer down on the dock.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, Roger Heckman.

Joey is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Heckman; children, Reba Heckman Guthrie (Gabe), Adam Heckman (Madeline), Ethan Heckman, and Kellie Alphin; mother, Joann Heckman; brothers, Wesley Heckman (Erica), Matthew Heckman, and Tony Heckman (Wendy); sister, Wendy Heckman Crow (Ron); aunt, Lenore Adametz; and grandchildren, Jaxson Alphin, Karie Lynn Alphin, Joseph Alphin, and Violet Heckman.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Jesse Pittman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or online at mhc-oxford.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.