George Franklin Heape

George Franklin Heape, 72, of Walterboro, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his son’s home in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, on September 7, 2026.

Born May 3, 1954, in Hampton County, South Carolina, George was the son of the late Edward Heape and Emmogene Stenstrom. He was a man who believed in working hard, loving deeply, standing by his family, and putting his faith in the Lord. His life was not measured by the things he owned, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the memories he left behind.

George was a devoted husband to the late love of his life and his “sunshine,” Martha Bagwell Heape. Their love was one of the greatest blessings of his life. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. They shared a lifetime of memories, walked through life side by side, and created a family that was their greatest treasure. George carried his love for Martha with him every day after her passing, and his family finds comfort in knowing that they are together again.

George was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He placed his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and sought to live his life according to his faith. He was a member of Green Pond Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of who he was. George’s faith was more than words; it was the foundation of his life. He lived it quietly and faithfully, showing God’s love through the way he cared for his family, helped others, and treated everyone he met.

George served as a deputy with the Hampton County Sheriff’s Department before working alongside his uncle at Turner Logging. He later spent many dedicated years with Coastal Lumber Company until its closure, and then retired from US Food Services. George took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was the kind of man people could count on, and he never hesitated to help others.

But more than anything he accomplished in his working life, George’s greatest joy was his family. He was a strong and faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal and treasured friend. To those who knew and loved him best, he was affectionately known as “Pappy.” That name carried a special kind of love—a love that could only come from the bond he shared with his family.

His family will forever remember his steady presence, his wisdom, his laughter, and the countless ways he showed them how much they meant to him. They will cherish the memories of time spent together, the conversations, the stories, the simple moments, and all the little things that made George who he was. Though those moments can no longer be made, they will be treasured for a lifetime.

George is survived by his children, Alicia Heape Rouse and her husband, Alan, and Edward Heape and his wife, Melissa; his grandchildren, Karley Rouse, Hanna Heape, Savannah Heape, Gunner Rouse, and Austin Heape; and his beloved Chihuahua, Sugar Babe.

George’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, service, hard work, and love. He gave so much of himself to the people he loved, and the imprint he left on their hearts will never fade. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren, through the values he taught them, through the lives he touched, and through the many cherished memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Though his passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled, his family finds comfort in knowing that George’s faith has carried him home. They believe he is now resting peacefully with his Lord and Savior and has been reunited with his beloved Martha, his true love and sunshine.

He went home to Jesus, and he went home to Martha.

Until the day they meet again, his family will hold him close in their hearts, speak of him with love, and be forever grateful for every moment they were blessed to have him in their lives.

Rest peacefully, Pappy. You were deeply loved, you will be greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11 o’clock Friday morning, September 11, 2026, at The Brice W. Herndon Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Jefferies Boulevard, Walterboro.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488.

Arrangements by: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndon.com.