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Walter Heck

1926 - 2019

Walter Heck obituary, 1926-2019, Raleigh, NC

Walter Heck Obituary

Walter Webb Heck

May 28, 1926 - May 23, 2019

Raleigh

Walter Webb Heck was born May 28, 1926 in Columbus, Ohio. He died on May 23, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina just 5 days short of his 93rd birthday.

Walt married Corinne Ruth Schiller Heck, on December 23, 1959 in Grand Rapids, MI. They were married nearly 60 years until Corinne's death just eight months ago. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Frances Elizabeth (Heck) Barker, and his step-son David Hentz. He is survived by two children: Frederick Heck and Carolyn Ruth Heck; two step-children: Lee Arthur Hentz and Ninon Hentz; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, James Baker Heck and his sister, Martha Elizabeth (Heck) Little along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Walt graduated from the Columbus public schools in 1944 and from the Ohio State University in 1947 with majors in the biological and physical sciences from the College of Education. Over the next several years he pursued his graduate education, while taking breaks to teach junior high school science. In 1950 he graduated from the University of Tennessee, with an MS in plant physiology. In 1954 he earned his Ph.D. in Botany at the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a major in botany and minor in chemistry. In 1955 he accepted an Assistant Professorship at Ferris State College in Big Rapids, MI. In 1959 he accepted an Associate Professorship at Texas A & M University where he taught graduate courses in plant physiology and developed a research program to determine the effects of air pollutants on agricultural crops.

Walt's air pollution work led to a long and very productive career as a research scientist for various government agencies including programs with the USDA, EPA, NASA, DOE, and U.S. Forest Service. Most of this work was done at NC State in Raleigh where the USDA air pollution program was located. He was highly regarded by his peers in the research community because of his many contributions to understanding the effects of air pollution on agricultural, forest, and native vegetation. He most often served these programs in leadership roles because of his ability to build relationships and work cooperatively with diverse groups. He was a member of numerous professional organizations and recipient of numerous recognitions and awards. He retired from the USDA in 1995 but remained active as an air quality consultant for another 10 years.

Walt liked to play cards and was always ready for a game of hearts or bridge. He was also a fierce competitor on the croquet court and rarely lost but also enjoyed seeing others take the win. He was a very welcoming and accepting person with a calm, friendly demeanor. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held for Walt on Saturday, June 8 at 2:00 pm at the Springmoor Retirement Community, 1500 Sawmill Rd, Raleigh NC, in the North Village Auditorium.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jun. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Heck

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





Melvin Myers

June 4, 2019

Walt Heck was my first supervisor when I entered the US Public Health Service's National Air Pollution Control Program in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1968. He had much to do with challenging me with interesting assignments as an agricultural engineer. These assignments included making improvements in growth chambers for plants, designing and building field ozone exposure chambers, designing and supervising a greenhouse at the Research Triangle Park after our move to North Carolina, collaborating with NCSU in designing field plots for research, and designing research exposure chambers and irrigation systems at eight field sites in Pennsylvania. I recall one of his extracurricular activities was stage acting in Raleigh. I have always thought highly of Dr. Heck, and I remember him as an innovator in directing important research related to air pollution control.

May 30, 2019

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. John 6:40

May 30, 2019

Please accept my sincerest condolence. Know that the God of comfort feels your pain and sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2

May 30, 2019

Please accept my sincere condolences. May God bring everlasting comfort to your hearts and give you the strength to endure this difficult time.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

B N.

May 30, 2019

TO THE FAMILY OF Walter",Reading God's word of hope for those who have fallen asleep in death, is faith building and Encouraging, John 6: 40, GOD has extended to us through his son Jesus Christ the hope of life everlasting. JOHN 3: 16.

May 30, 2019

When someone you love falls asleep in death the memories of them become your treasure. May your wonderful treasures fill your heart with love and bring you peace, during this most difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14

May 30, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. may the love of God, family and friends bring you comfort as you go through this time of mourning.

May 30, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you in this time of grief. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 "pray constantly"

May 30, 2019

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.

Lucy Bickers

May 28, 2019

Walt was a good, kind, and patient man. It was obvious how much he loved his wife Corinne, and how much she loved him. The two of them virtually adopted my husband Eddie Morris and me, including us in many of their life events. Eddie said once he looked at Walt as another dad since Eddie's father died many years ago. I could always get answers to any questions I had about plants, either gardening or trees, since Walt was an incredible gardener. He was generous and supportive to his family and friends, always willing to listen and share his experience and knowledge. I know he'll be happy to see Corinne since he'd told me he had been talking to her since she died last year. I'll miss you, Walt, and I love you.

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Memorial Events
for Walter Heck

Jun

8

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Springmoor Retirement Community

1500 Sawmill Rd, Raleigh, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

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