Bobby Kent Heifner, 44, of Liberty, Texas, left this world far too soon on the afternoon of Friday, June 14, 2024, in Houston, Texas, with his loving family by his side. Born on August 18, 1979, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Kent Heifner and Paula Mickle Handley, Bobby’s life was a testament to love, service, and passion, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Bobby, a proud graduate of Manvel High School in Manvel, Texas, class of 1998, demonstrated his unwavering dedication and bravery in the United States Navy, earning numerous decorations for his service. His commitment to his country was a testament to his character. After his military service, he built a successful career as a chemical operator, working at Lubrizol in Deer Park for the past seven years.
Bobby, a true pillar of his community, was a dedicated family man and an active member of various community initiatives. His spirit of giving was evident in his role as the driving force behind an annual toy drive with Crosby Church and Down South Off-Road Park in Crosby. His zest for life was infectious, finding joy in activities such as drag racing, riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and even bull riding in his younger years. A sports enthusiast, he wrestled, played football, and shared his love for the game by coaching in Liberty, Texas, including coaching his daughter’s T-ball team in Dayton, Texas.
Bobby’s grilling skills were legendary, particularly his rib recipe, which was cherished by all who tasted it. But his humor and friendly nature truly endeared him to everyone. While he could be grumpy and unafraid to speak his mind, his generous heart and love for helping others defined him.
Bobby was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, and man. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bobby and Charlotte Mickle; his paternal grandparents, Olin and Margaret Heifner; his stepfather, Ronnie Handley; his uncle, Charles Olin Heifner; and his aunt, Glenda Mickle. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 23 years, Brandi Allen Heifner, and their beloved children, Trace Heifner, Taylor Heifner, and fiancé Bryan Moyer, Tru Heifner, and Sydney Byers. He is also survived by his father, Kent Heifner, and wife Tonda; his mother, Paula Handley; his sister, Wendie Entrekin and husband Brian; his nephews, Andy and Austin Hornbuckle, Peyton Marrs, Toye and Chase Jackson, and Payton Entrekin; his great-niece and nephew, Delilah and Deason Marrs; his stepbrothers, Calvin and Casey Brooks; his parents-in-law, Gene and Regenia Allen; his sister-in-law Renee Hornbuckle and husband James; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Trace Heifner, Toye Jackson, Chase Jackson, Peyton Marrs, Andy Hornbuckle, Austin Hornbuckle, Jason Dixon, and Jonathan Dixon will honor the family by serving as pallbearers.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in the chapel of Allison Funeral Service, 1101 S. Travis Street, in Liberty. Additional visitation and funeral services in Trussville, Alabama, will be under the direction of Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home. A visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, on Monday, June 24, 2024, in the chapel of Deerfoot Memorial, 5360 Deerfoot Parkway in Trussville. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM with Pastor Greg Hand, with a military graveside service at 2 PM in Alabama National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bobby’s honor to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516. Bobby’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.