John Wesley Heptinstall III

John Wesley Heptinstall III, a dedicated and hardworking employee in the automotive industry for many decades, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2023. Born on August 23, 1943, John Wesley's life was a testament to his passion for cars and his unwavering commitment to his profession.
A true car enthusiast, John Wesley had a special love for 1964 and 1966 Corvettes, 1990 Mustangs, and the 1953 Chevy, finding joy in their unique designs and performance. During his long career as a fixture in the automotive industry throughout Tidewater, his love for all things automotive was perhaps only exceeded by the appreciation his co-workers and customers had for him and the caring expertise he provided. His recent retirement marked the end of an era, concluding a lifetime of hard work and dedication.
Beyond his professional achievements, John Wesley was a man of diverse interests. He found solace in the pages of a good book and spent countless hours in his shed indulging in his hobby of collecting and building displays for his NASCAR racing memorabilia.
Music was a constant companion for John Wesley, providing the soundtrack to the various chapters of his life. His early love of the band Chicago and other rock classics gave way later in life to the southern rock vibes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the soulful tunes of Pink Floyd, and the timeless melodies of Willie Nelson.
John Wesley was happily married to his wife, Marie Minor Heptinstall, for the past 18 years. In all the ups and downs of life, they always could laugh. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Marie.
John Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Heptinstall Jr, and Laura Avery Heptinstall. Other family members left to cherish his memory include his twin sister, Rosalie Zimmerman; his sister Dottie Landreth and husband Bill; his son, John Wesley Heptinstall IV and wife Lisa; his daughter, Krista Bell; his stepson Roger Mosley Jr; and his stepdaughter, Laura Repass. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Julianna, Gabriella, Lydia, Hudson, Jake, Josh, Caleb, Emma, and Luke; as well as a nephew, nieces, and numerous cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel on February 17, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception. In honoring John Wesley's memory, let us come together to celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, passion, and the enduring spirit of a man who touched the hearts of many.