Harold Eugene Hefner

Harold Eugene Hefner, age 80, of Murphy, North Carolina, died on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, CA from heart failure. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 7/2019 at Pacific View Mortuary with a graveside to follow.

Harold made his last inappropriate grunt on August 20, 2019. If you are wondering if you may have ever met him, you didn't because you WOULD remember. For those of you that did meet him, we apologize, as we're sure he was probably odd in some way, shape or form. He was world-renowned for not holding back and giving you his opinion regardless of whether or not it was requested - oh and often odd, quirky behavior.

He was born to Rilla Taylor-Lovingood and James R. Lovingood, November 2, 1938. Sadly, Hal would never know his birth father, as he died in the World War II. Later, Edmond Hefner became his adoptive-father. Hal was born in the wrong place at the wrong time. Given Hal's demeanor, he would have been the perfect early explorer, preferring nature instead of the city and wild animals over wild people!

As an only child, all the chores were on him! Accustomed to being in charge, of mainly just himself, Hal, at a very early age, anointed himself "King!" This self-appointed title carried over into his monarch oriented parenting style. It was "His way or the highway!"

Preferring the outdoors to a classroom, Hal, took his GED as soon as he could, then quickly enlisted in the Marine Corps so he could, "Kill some bad guys." He loved the Marine Corps and especially enjoyed 1st Recon! He was indeed the epitome of "Once a Marine always a Marine." He could talk bombs, guns and Sherman tanks until the cows came home or you fell asleep, which did happen on one or two occasions.

He had an eclectic array of career experiences. As a finance manager for Cal Worthington, of the infamous, “Go see Cal commercials,” he also handled the repossessions. Many intriguing stories came out of his "Repo Man" role including some interesting recounts of run-ins with furious borrowers and even an encounter with a dead body.

A little bit of loner, Hal worked best on his own, because working for a company meant working with a bunch of knuckleheads. (We edited out the profanity. After all, this is PG!) He owned his own company and then retired from restaurant real estate brokering business as his health declined.

Hal leaves behind a lot of stuff we don't know what to do with including the twelve cloth napkins he stole from the facility dining room (FYI, we returned them); more combs and toothbrushes than he could ever use; and a billion free paper note pads he received in the mail. Thank you, Jesus, for the Salvation Army!

In addition to his stuff, Hal leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Beverly Hefner; a son, Michael Hefner; and three daughters and sons-in-laws Katherine and Tony Dahmen, Laurie and Dan Kelly and Rebecca and Jaco Vlok. He will be missed by his three granddaughters, whom he adored, Kate and Claire Hefner and Faith Vlok. He has five grandsons: Brenden Hefner; Austin and Anthony Dahmen; and Tyler and Luke Kelly. All of whom he loved, most of the time, as long as they were not fighting, whining or breaking things!

Also left to keep the stories alive, are his step-grandchildren Brett and April Kelly and two great step-granddaughters, Roslyn and Cheyenne Kelly. There are numerous family and friends left, to recount the "Good Old Days" with Harold, as well as, an untold number of relatives from the back hills of North Carolina, and we mean, THE WAY BACK HILLS! Now united with his mom, both of his dad's, grandparents and many others, he loved, that passed before him, Harold is home.

Despite his rough exterior, cutting remarks, and grunts, there is actual evidence that he was a loving, giving, charming, caring person that fiercely protected those he loved. We find this evidence in the depth of our sorrow and pain in our hearts; we all feel from his passing.

Heaven got a good one, but the angels will need to use some serious elbow grease to polish off all the scuff marks. Hal was ready for heaven, as his body was failing; however, we are not sure heaven is ready for him!

Stay strong up there, we will be praying for you!

In lieu of flowers and cards please consider a donation to the National Association of Atomic Veterans: In the memo or notes, please put: IMO HAROLD, MORGAN PROJECT

For Electronic donations through Venmo, User ID: @NAAV-Cmdr-Treasr

For Checks or money orders please mail to:

NAAV-C/O Fred Shafer

130 Cleveland Street

Lebanon, OR 97355-4505