The Heeke family is mourning the loss of their beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. Robert Berkeley Heeke passed away on December 13, 2023 at the age of 93, less than a month after the passing of his wife, Joyce. He will be deeply missed.

Bob was born in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated From Benedictine High School in 1947 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Richmond in 1951. He spent the next few years in the National Guard and on active duty with the Army. Bob moved to Charleston, South Carolina to work as a sports writer for the News and Courier newspaper.  There he met Joyce Isabel Newton and they were married. They spent their lives in South Carolina, Virginia, New York and the last 47 years in Lake City, Florida. Bob retired from Occidental Chemical in 1993.

He is survived by his sons Richard Heeke (Barbara), Robert Heeke (Janet), Timothy Heeke (Jodi), Michael Heeke (Dawn), Donald Heeke (Robin), and daughter Rebecca Heeke Gomez. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Bob was an active member of Epiphany Catholic Church from 1976 until health concerns limited him in the last few years. He was a member of the Knight of Columbus and was involved with the Pregnancy Crisis Center.  He earned his Florida Master Gardener title and taught students about hydroponic gardening at Epiphany Catholic School. He also helped maintain the landscaping of the church and school. Services will be held at Epiphany on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am in the church narthex with the funeral following at 11:00.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local VITAS Hospice of Nature Coast. Donations can be made through VITAS Community Connection.

Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025.  Please leaves words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

https://vitascommunityconnection.org/

Vitas Hospice
Web: https://vitascommunityconnection.org/