Henry E. Heafner

Henry E. Heafner, age 91, passed away Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital of North MS in Oxford, MS after a brief illness.

The family will be celebrating his life Friday evening at 6:30 P.M., June 13, 2025, at the Batesville First Methodist Church in Batesville, MS. Friends are invited for a time of visitation prior to the service beginning at 5:00 P.M.

Henry was born on January 27, 1934 to the late Henry Lois “Manny” and Florence Miller Heafner in Memphis, Tennessee.

Throughout his life as a car salesman, he began in 1954 when he started B&H in Batesville, and then founded Heafner Motors, Inc. Henry was also a faithful, long-time member of the Batesville First Methodist Church, where he served on various committees.

Known as “Papa” to his family, he loved and cared for all of them deeply. He always made sure the Holidays were extra special, especially around Christmas time. Henry also considered his employees as his own family.

Henry exemplified the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Through grit and vision, he worked his way toward success- not simply for his devoted family or personal gain, but always with an eye toward how he could help others. His life story is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and character.

For decades, Henry played a vital role in developing Batesville. He was more than a businessman; he was a community builder. Whether through his investments, his partnerships, or his quiet acts of generosity, his actions consistently reflected a deep and abiding commitment to Batesville’s growth and well-being.

Henry will also be remembered about his consideration for others. Because his leadership was rooted in compassion and service, he did not overlook those who needed a helping hand. Henry truly had a servant’s heart. He touched and inspired the lives many people.

Henry, “Papa”, lived a life of dedication, vision, and integrity.

The family he is survived by includes his wife, Tommie Sue Heafner of Batesville, MS; his children, Denise Heafner Benson (Billy) of Courtland, MS, Lisa Heafner Turner (Phil) of Memphis, TN, Mark Heafner and his loving companion Cindy Stephens along with her two daughters, Ginger and Kylie of Batesville, MS, Keith Heafner (Lisa) of Batesville, MS, and Jason Russell of Batesville, MS; his grandchildren, Robin Daleke (Cliff), Betsy Hutcheson (Kevin), Chad Heafner, Samantha Massoth, Hannah Heafner, and Margo Turner; great grandchildren, Katie Daleke, Will Daleke, Holden Daleke, Hailey Heafner, Jack Henry Heafner, and Henry Price Nickle; and his three siblings, Floyd “Sid” Heafner of Hot Springs, AR, Tommy Heafner of Batesville, MS, and Doris Heafner Coleman of Southaven, MS.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Robinson Heafner; and one brother, Orman Heafner.

With much love and respect, we recognize Henry Heafner, “Papa”, for his life and lasting contributions.