John Cobert (J.C.) Heflin passed from this world on Saturday, October 7, 2006 after a five year battle with cancer
J.C. as he was known to his friends and family was a native of Union, MS and lived in Gulfport since 1956. Mr. Heflin moved his wife and three children to Gulfport in 1956 to begin working as a barber but soon partnered with Kenneth Nicholson to purchase Deluxe Cleaners on Courthouse Road in Gulfport which they owned and operated until J.C. retired in 1988. After retirement Mr. Heflin continued to pursue his favorite pastimes which were playing golf with his friends at Tramark golf courses and following Gulfport High athletics. Some of the best memories his family has to cherish of """"Paw Paw"""" revolve around his antics at various athletic events. He was a great friend of all the coaches at Gulfport High School and until he became ill was a permanent fixture in the stands of all sporting events. In his later years he was fortunate to be able to spend a great deal of time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren which he loved dearly and without reservation. When he became to frail to leave home he insisted on the grandchildren and great grandchildren visiting him daily.
J.C. was preceded in death by his sister, Roselle Nicholson; brothers, Shelby, Billy, W.R. (Wiggle), Harston and Fred.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Opal Harbour Heflin who cared for him daily for the past five years; his brother, Onree (Carl) Heflin of Union, MS; his sisters, Geneva Horton and husband L.J. of Union, Mary (Beverly) Ricks of Monroe, LA, Bonnie Jones and husband Rayford of Gulfport and Patsy Vance of Union; his children, Larry Heflin and wife Martha Farrior, Judy Savant and husband Kim and Mike Heflin and wife Cheri; four grandchildren, Brad Heflin, Brandi Savant, Kasey Kelley and husband Billy and John Calvin Heflin (namesake of Mr. Heflin and his maternal grandfather Calvin Wells); two great grandchildren, Kimberlee and Kaegan Kelley.
John Colbert was a wonderful provider and a tremendous family man who will be missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Memorial Hospital Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to Memorial Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 1810, Gulfport, MS 39502-1810 or a favorite charity.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 10, 2006 from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at Gulf Coast Funeral Homes, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. Services will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Gulfport.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.gulfcoastfh.com.