Obituary of James W. Heacock

James Warren Heacock, Sr., 95, longtime resident of Talladega, AL passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014. Jimmy was born in Sylacauga, AL on September 24, 1918 to John Warren Heacock and Mexie McDowell Heacock. He was one of 11 children. After graduating from B. B. Comer High School he began his career with Talladega Foundry and Machine Company. Jimmy met the love of his life, Rebecca Turbeville whom he married in 1941. They were married 70 years before Becky passed away in 2012. Mr. Heacock joined the U. S. Navy in 1941 and served in the Pacific Theater on the U. S. S. Flourska, a submarine rescue ship. After returning to Talladega in 1951, he bought an interest in Talladega Foundry. In 1958 he formed Talladega Machine and Supply Company and expanded it to the family owned diversified company that it is today. Mr. Heacock loved Talladega and was a major contributor to many aspects of the community. He was instrumental in the building of Citizens Hospital, which is now part of the Baptist Health Centers. He held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations including, Kiwanis Club, AIDB Foundation Board, and Chamber of Commerce. His church, First United Methodist Church was a big part of his life. He served on the committee of 100 for the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Jimmy and Becky raised five children together. Jim (Harriet) Heacock of Birmingham, AL; Becky (Alton) James of Mobile, AL; Carol (Carroll) Sullivan of Point Clear, AL; Gary (Kathy) Heacock, Talladega, AL, and Heidi (Sam) Yates of Birmingham, AL. In addition to his 5 children, Jimmy is survived by his brother George Heacock and Betty Jean Yuknevice, 13 grandchildren, Jay Heacock, Harrison Heacock, Rebecca James Duckworth, Will James, Frances (John) Sullivan Mayhall, John Warren (Anna) Sullivan, David (Laura) Heacock, Daniel (Marianna) Heacock, Stephen Heacock, Elizabeth (Charlie) Scribner, Virginia Yates, Kathryn Yates and Samantha Yates; as well as his great grandchildren, Jack, Andrew, Lainey Mayhall and Elizabeth Blair Yates. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church of Talladega, at 1:00 pm followed by a family graveside service. Rev. Minnie Stovall will officiate. Visitation will take place in the Church Parlor from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider a gift in Mr. Heacock's memory be made to the First United Methodist Church, 400 East Street, South, Talladega, AL 35160 or to a charity of your choosing.