Paul Bernard Heffner

HEFFNER, Paul Bernard, 92, a resident of Brandermill Woods, Midlothian, died on Saturday, November 22, 2008 after a short illness. He is survived by a beloved daughter, Margaret Stair "Mollie" Hummel; esteemed son-in-law, Ray O. Hummel III; greatly loved grandchildren, Carolyn Ruth Hummel and Paul Joseph Hummel, all of Richmond. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., graduated from Allentown High School and Franklin and Marshall College. Following his father's transfer to York, Pa. in 1936, he met Helen Louise. They became engaged a year later and married on June 17, 1939. Upon graduation from college, he joined a major oil company. Within a year, he was promoted and transferred to York, Pa. In 1943 he applied to the Navy for Officer Candidate School. After being commissioned Ensign, he was sent to Pearl Harbor and then to a division of small aircraft carriers as communications officer. He participated in the Lingayen Gulf and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Several months after the Japanese surrender, he transferred to inactive duty status and returned home in June 1946. He joined the major oil company and after several promotions, was assigned in May 1948 to Richmond as manager for Virginia. He always had a desire to have his own business. The opportunity occurred in 1960 in Williamsburg, where he created Heffner Oils, Inc. and became a major oil company distributor. The business grew and prospered. With a wish to enjoy retirement and to travel the world, he and Helen Louise sold the business in 1978. While in Williamsburg, he was active in industry, church, civic affairs and establishing Williamsburg Landing. In early 1994, he and Helen Louise made the decision to return to Richmond to be near their daughter and family. Brandermill Woods became home. Inurnment will be at the Memorial Garden of the Brandermill Church, 4500 Mill Ridge Pkwy., Midlothian, 23112 on December 9 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Brandermill Church Memorial Fund or to a favorite charity.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.