Alan Heflin

1939 - 2015

Alan Michael Heflin

Forest

Alan Michael Heflin passed away on Monday, September 7, 2015 at Mississippi Care Center in Morton, Mississippi.

Mr. Heflin was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 1, 1939. He spent his young adulthood in Alabama, graduating from John Carroll Catholic High School in 1957, where he was later nominated as an Outstanding Alumni in 2003. Mr. Heflin continued his education at Saint Mary's College in Lebanon, Kentucky and was graduated from Saint Bernard's College in Cullman, Alabama with a degree in philosophy.

Mr. Heflin went to work for the Campbell Soup Company in Montgomery, Alabama after graduation. In 1968 he moved his family to Forest, Mississippi where he lived throughout his life. Animal Services Incorporated was started by Mr. Heflin in 1973. The business served the local poultry and livestock industry until 1988. He was named Mississippi Small Businessman of the Year in 1976. He completed his employment history with Colonial Insurance and retired from the Mississippi Development Authority in 1998.

Alan Heflin was a public servant, being elected as a Mississippi State Senator for two terms from 1984 to 1992, where he was affectionately called "Rooster". He was an avid golfer and duck hunter. He enjoyed watching football on television and in Oxford, Mississippi, sending his three daughters through Ole Miss. He was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Forest. Those who knew and loved Mr. Heflin will remember him as a captivating story teller and joy to be around.

Mr. Heflin was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mildred Heflin of Birmingham, Alabama; and his son-in-law Bubba Hopkins of Jackson, Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Peggy Jean Schilleci Heflin, by his daughters, Suzanne (Hez) Hollingsworth of Brandon, Mississippi, Allyson (Paul) Riser of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kristi (Todd) Clayton of Jackson, Mississippi. He is also survived by his brother, Arnold Heflin; and sister; Ann Heflin both of Cartersville, Georgia; and eleven grandchildren, Miller Hollingsworth, Zach Hollingsworth, Hayes Riser, Stuart Riser, Leah Riser, Cameron Riser, Ross Hopkins, Caroline Hopkins, Sidney Clayton, Davis Clayton, and Grady Clayton, and four nephews; and three nieces.

A private mass celebrating Mr. Heflin's life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1352 East Third Street, Forest, Mississippi 39074.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest is handling arrangements.