James Grady Heatherly, Sr., 82

James Grady Heatherly, Sr., 82, a lifelong resident of Hendersonville, went home to be with His Savior on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, after a long fought battle with cancer.

He was a son of Henry Grady and Vernia Babb Heatherly.

James was an outstanding basketball player for Flat Rock High School, where he graduated in 1951. He served in the US Army. He retired from Olin/Ecusta after 35 years, without missing a day of work. He was a master gardener, part-time beachcomber, and a professional "Papaw." He was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Bread of Life Sunday School class. James will be missed for his wonderful sense of humor and his enthusiastic love for life.

He was married to his beautiful wife of 63 years, Ruth Turbeville Heatherly, also of Hendersonville. His three children are Lynn Cooper (Jeff), Jamey Heatherly (Anita), and Lora Molton (Bryan), all of Hendersonville. He was the beloved "Papaw" to Lane, Marci, Tonya, Kerra, Tiffany, Jay, Amanda, Matthew, Mickey, and Greg, 10 great grandchildren and 7 grandchildren in-laws, whom he adored. Born a child into a family of twelve children, he has three surviving sisters: Sarah Dore, Catherine Schroader, and Mary Jones, along with many nieces and nephews that loved him.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Please visit forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.