William “Bill” A. Heffner, Sr., of Early, Texas, formerly of Troy, New York, passed away on September 22, 2025. A visitation with family will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, September 26, 2025 at Heartland Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 27, 2025 in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Shields officiating.
Bill was born in Troy on May 19, 1956, the beloved son of the late Jean A. Heffner and Victor A. Heffner, and the younger brother of the late Donald M. Heffner. A proud 1974 graduate of Brittonkill Central School in Brunswick, NY, Bill excelled as an All-Star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball for the Tamarac Bengals. He went on to attend Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. His love of sports continued throughout his life, and he remained a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants. Bill began his career at the Watervliet Arsenal before moving to Maryland where he worked for the Federal Government under the Department of Defense at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. He retired in 2010 from Washington Headquarters Services. During his time at the Pentagon, Bill was called into action following the September 11, 2001 attacks. His courage and dedication on that tragic day will always be remembered.
In 2014, Bill moved to Texas to make his home in Early with his beloved wife and sweetheart, Judy Heffner, where they built a life together filled with love and family.
Bill is survived by Judy and her three daughters: Sally Licavoli and husband Mike of Liberty Hill, TX, Jessica Wheat and husband Shane of Houston, Texas, and Molly Gonzales and husband of Brownwood, TX. He was a devoted father to his own three children: William A. Heffner, Jr. (Kim) of Averill Park, NY; Alicia R. Cappon of Syracuse, NY; and Gregory J. Heffner (Shauna) of Prince Frederick, MD. He is also survived by his cherished niece, Tara Heffner, his late brother Donald’s beloved daughter. Bill was blessed with a large and loving family, including 16 grandchildren and 1 on the way, who brought him great joy. Among them are Aidan Heffner, Morgan Heffner, J. Brendan Cappon, Maya Cappon, Jayden Cappon, Jackson Heffner, Dakota Heffner, Corbi Heffner, Lincoln Heffner, Joseph Licavoli, Luke Licavoli, Owen Licavoli, Roland Wheat, Reuben Wheat, River Wheat and Luca Gonzales.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Jean (Myers) Heffner and a brother, Donald Heffner.
William will be remembered as a man of strength, loyalty, and deep love for his family. His legacy of devotion, courage, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to one of two of Bill’s favorite charities, Tunnel to towers foundation, https://t2t.org/donate/ or St. Jude Children’s research hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
