CONOVER- Jerry Carlton Hefner, 70, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at his home after a brave battle with cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. He was born in Catawba County on January 28, 1947, he was the son of the late Peverlee “Pev” Carlton Hefner and Rose Dean Propst Hefner. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-son Richard Dean Starnes. Jerry served in the Army for two years, during his time serving in the 25th Infantry Division in Chu Chi, Vietnam he was severely wounded on January 20, 1967, he was returned to the United States to a medical hospital. Jerry was honorably medically discharged. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. During his life he worked many years in furniture. He loved gardening and had a huge garden which he wanted everyone to enjoy. Jerry also coached women’s softball for many years and he loved the players like they were his own. Hobbies later in life were fishing and hosting fish fry parties. Don’t catch too many fish, until we meet again. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife Loretta and a brother David Hefner and wife Donna of Newton. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Ciara Oakley and husband Wesley of Lenoir and MacKenzie Starnes of Hudson, a great grandson, Wayland Oakley, an adopted great grandson, Braxton Arnett, nieces Angel Parker and Stephanie Hyder and his beloved cat Snowball. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hickory Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Hickory Funeral Home with Reverend Nicky Waters will be officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park with military honors by American Legion Post 48. Memorial gifts may be made to American Cancer Society, PO BOX 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
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