ROBERT EARL HEATON

Robert Earl Heaton, 92, of Andrews died Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Murphy Medical Center. Mr. Heaton was born August 25, 1916 in Roan Mountain, Tenn. His family moved to Andrews when he was an infant, where he remained for the rest of his life.

He graduated from Duke University in 1940 and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the academic fraternity, Tau Kappa Alpha. He owned and operated The Chain Grocery Company for many years and was active in his community. Mr. Heaton was the youngest mayor of Andrews and a founding board member of both District Memorial Hospital and TheAndrews Housing Authority.

Bob was the son of the late Robert Taylor and Etta Mabel Mehaffey Heaton. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Lavinia Clayton and Frances Hildred Heaton; and a brother, Clarence Carlton Heaton.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Evelyn Wood Heaton; a son, Robert Edgar Heaton and wife, Roslyn of Fort Myers, Fla.; a daughter, Elaine Heaton Goff of Harrisburg, NC; a grandson, Justin Robert Goff of Mooresville, NC; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Myles of Lake Wales, Fla.; and a brother, Richard Paul Heaton of Lake Wales.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 9 in the Andrews United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Hacklander officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Robert Earl Heaton to the Andrews United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1310, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

An online guest register is available at "Obituaries" at www.iviefuneralhome.com