Charles William ìBillî Heaton, 86, of Hendersonville, entered into eternal peace, Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Elizabeth House. He was the son of the late Ollie and Temple Heaton. Born on January 22, 1923 in Indianola, NE, he worked for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad, and Burlington Northern Railroad for forty years. He married Joann Gier October 12, 2001 and continued to reside in central Florida until they moved to Hendersonville in 2002. He was a kind, gentle man who never met a stranger. He had a song in his heart and a sprint in his step. On April 17, 1941, he received a Superior Award in a voice contest held in Indianola, NE. That love of music carried throughout his entire life. He was always singing or whistling, and had a song for every occasion. Several years ago, he made a list of over one hundred songs to which he knew the lyrics. One of his favorite songs was Danny Boy. He was also a huge sports fan. Football was his favorite, and he was a staunch supporter of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Survivors include his wife, Joann Gier Heaton; seven children, Stephen Heaton, Janine Dieterich, Donna Henrichs, Floyd Gier, Paul Gier, Teresa Frady, Shawn Roberts; nineteen grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
No service is planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Guests may sign a register book at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.