Paul Hefner

Mr. Paul Ray Hefner, Jr., 68, of Yemassee, entered into eternal rest Monday, August 1, 2016 at Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Funeral services will be held 10 am, Monday, August 8, 2016 at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort.

Born December 21, 1947 in Valparaiso, Indiana, he was the son of the late Paul Ray Hefner, Sr. and Enid Chloe Gott Hefner.  Mr. Hefner served his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps, having seen action in Vietnam.  He received the rank of Staff Sergeant, was a recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam National Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation Medal.   After serving his country, Mr. Hefner worked for Clemson University and U.S.D.A. as a Meat and Poultry Inspector, retiring after 21 years.  He enjoyed collecting Native American artifacts and studying the Native American culture, and enjoyed volunteering at Beaufort National Cemetery by helping place flags on veteran’s graves.  He loved living in the country, working on his farm, enjoyed outdoor life and vacationing in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.  He was of the Methodist faith, and attended Black Creek Baptist Church with his wife.  Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family.

Surviving are: his wife of 47 years, Kay Walker Hefner of Yemassee; daughter, Amy Elizabeth Kaylor (Adam) of Beaufort; son, Brian Chad Hefner (Brandy) of Yemassee; and grandchildren; Peyton Kaylor, Jack Kaylor, Parker Hefner, Cooper Hefner, and Tanner Massey.  He is also survived by 3 sisters, Kathy Zylstra (Gene) of Wheatfield, Indiana, Margaret “Peggy” McGriff (Doug) of Valparaiso, Indiana and Velma Hargis (Dan) of Dallas, Texas; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a brother, Carl Hefner, and a sister, Joann Ramos.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Black Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 1837 Edward Road, Walterboro, SC  29488.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 until 7 pm at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro. 843.538.5408.  Visit the guestbook online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.