William "Art" Headley

William Arthur "Art" Headley came into this world on October 28, 1940 and departed into the Kingdom of Heaven on September 2, 2023 at his home in Hoover, Alabama. He was 82. He battled cancer for almost 30 years and had a strong faith in Jesus' Healing Hands throughout the many treatments and setbacks.

Art was preceded in death by his mother, Penelope Louise Copeland Headley Primm; his father, Marlin Headley; and his sister, Eva Headley Manning. Art leaves his wife of 41 years, Mary Wamstad Headley, as well as seven children, Heather Bowen (Brian), Marlin Curtis Headley (Laura), Larry Rackley (Nona), Miriam Scharf (Thomas), Dawn Wheeler (Stuart), Jeremy Headley (Jennifer), and Jessica Straw (Tony). He also leaves 10 grandchildren.

Art was born in Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Sidney Lanier High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Huntingdon College.

He served in the U.S. Navy for almost 40 years, both active and reserve, retiring at the rank of Captain, U.S. Navy. He was the principal agent for Headley’s Insurance Agency for 30 years and treasured his many wonderful employees during that time.

Art has been a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama for 41 years. He served as a leader in the Boy Scouts, coached football and baseball, and tutored high risk children at the Attention Center in Shelby County. He was a long-time member of Sertoma (Service to Mankind), the Hoover Chamber of Commerce, and winner of the Chamber’s Freedom Award. He served for many years on U.S. Congressman Bachus’ Academy Advisory Committee, and as Field Representative for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Art was a true believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His favorite verse was Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” He loved the hymn "Amazing Grace" as he felt it truly depicted Jesus’ Saving Grace for believers no matter what the sin in their lives might have been.

The family will greet friends on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by A Service of Celebration for Art's Life at 12 noon at the funeral home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Also on Monday, September 11, 2023, the gravesite committal service will be at 2 p.m. at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Amistad Mission, a Christian Mission to manifest Christ’s love for the poor by helping Bolivian children and families in need. Visit AmistadMission.org/give, or mail checks to Amistad Mission, P.O. Box 23030, Nashville, TN 37202. All donations are tax deductible.

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