Robert Heatherly's Obituary
Funeral services for Robert (Bob) Burl Heatherly, 84, of Longview, will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 12 Noon, burial following at Rosewood Park, with Pastor Shawn Heatherly officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Mr. Heatherly passed away at his residence on January 4, 2024, with family by his side.
Bob was born to Burl George and Mabel Heatherly on September 30, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He was one of three children. He moved to Texas as a child and grew up in Dallas, graduating from Irving High School in 1957. He joined the United States Navy in 1957, was deployed to many places all over the world, and served his country with pride for three years. After his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Saundra Sue Thompson. They married and had three children. He worked for Mack Trucks, Inc. from 1966 until 1979, when he moved his family to Longview and became the Service Manager for East Texas Mack Sales. In 1991 he and Saundra moved back to Dallas where he was the General Manager of Dallas Mack until he retired in 2008. They moved back to Longview in May of 2021 to be closer to family.
He was an active member of the Elks Lodge for many years, loved to travel, work out, and play tennis and racquetball. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend; and will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, along with his older sister, Ruth Ann Davis, and younger sister Doris Carol Sisk.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Saundra Heatherly of Longview, son, Michael Heatherly of Longview, son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Amelia Heatherly of Longview, daughter and son-in- law, Gina and Jason Rains of Winona, grandchildren Shawn Michael Heatherly, Kenan and Skylar Laza, Kaleb Laza, Alexia Heatherly, Kelby Free, Béla Free, as well as many other loving friends and family.
The family would like to thank Christus Good Shepherd E300 nurses, hospital staff, Dr. Torres, Dr. Khan, Heartsway Hospice, and Arabella Assisted Living of Longview for the wonderful, compassionate, and loving care given to Bob and his family. They made such a difference during the last days of his earthly journey and brought much comfort during our time of need.
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