Cecil Walter Heishman

Cecil Walter Heishman, 91, of Fort Valley, VA, passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2025. He was born in Fort Valley, VA, on September 10, 1933, to Elmer and Elizabeth Heishman. Born and raised on his family farm, Cecil was the youngest of seven children.

In 1953 Cecil graduated from Edinburg High School and soon after married the love of his life, Ella Maureda Shipe. They were happily married for nearly 70 years.

Cecil enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1957. He was a lifelong member of the VFW in Edinburg and a charter member of the Fort Valley Ruritan Club.

At the age of 17, Cecil built his first chicken house and began raising broilers. He continued raising broilers from the 1950s into the late 1990s. He always helped his brother, Charley, make hay and work on the farm. In addition to farming, he was a skilled carpenter, plumber, and electrician. Cecil built many homes for family and friends, including his own home. He also worked as a full-time electrician at Avtex for many years.

A talented and hardworking man, he cherished time with his family and friends and was always willing to help his neighbors. As a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, he played a key role in merging the two Lutheran churches in Fort Valley during the 1970s and helped build the Faith Lutheran Church in 1973. He sang in the choir, played the clarinet with the Faithful Tooters, and served on both the Church Council and the Board of Directors for many years. Known for his deep baritone voice, he would often sing solos for special occasions.

Cecil lived an active and adventurous life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling many times to Alaska and later to Colorado and New Mexico. Cecil played softball for many years, enjoyed skiing, camping, swimming, and bowling, and even played baseball at the Edinburg Old Time Festival well into his 80's. Later in life, he became known for his apple and cherry pies, a skill lovingly taught to him by his wife, Maureda.

He is survived by his two sons, Phil Heishman and Larry Heishman, and his daughter, Peggy H. Plauger (Terry); four grandchildren, Bradley (Nicci) Dooley, Daniel Dooley, Alethea Heishman, and Calvin Heishman; six great-grandchildren, Allen Heishman, Warren, William, Walker, and Mickey Dooley, and Claire McClung; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maureda and grandson, Dustin Heishman.

Pastor Larry Closter will officiate the Memorial Service at Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Valley on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 am. A meal will follow at the Fort Valley Fire Hall.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Fort Valley Fire Department, 7088 Fort Valley Road, Fort Valley, VA 22652.

Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com

Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.