Southside Messenger Guest Columnist, Fillmer Hevener, dies at 84

Fillmer Hevener Jr. of Farmville, Virginia, fell asleep in Jesus on Aug. 25, 2017. He was 84 years young.

Born in Churchville, VA to Fillmer Hevener Sr. and his wife, Estie (Harper), he dedicated his life at an early age to the service of God and man. He soon realized that he had the gift of teaching, and chose English to be his area of specialization.

In 1957, he and his wife Celia (Achenbach) boarded a boat for Uganda, where he taught and managed the farm at Bugema Adventist College. While in Africa their first child, Dennis, was born. Upon their return to America, Fill taught at Frostburg State College in Maryland. Their second child, Yolanda, was born in Frostburg. After a stint at La Sierra College in California, Fill was given the opportunity to teach at Longwood College, and the family gladly returned to Virginia. His favorite subject, The Bible as Literature, was always well-attended.

While teaching, working his farm, and raising his family, Fill found the time to complete an Ed.D in English Education from the University of Virginia. He served as District 3 Supervisor for Buckingham County, VA from 1984-1988, and was president of the Lower Francisco Fire Association for many years. He was a painter and an accomplished bluegrass mandolin, guitar and fiddle player.

Upon retirement from Longwood, he established and pastored Guthrie Memorial Chapel in Cumberland, VA. He also helped establish several churches and the Hevener School in Uganda. He wrote a Bible-based column for the Southside Messenger.

Fill was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dorothy McGuire, and brother, Donald Ray Hevener.

He is survived by his beautiful sweetheart of 62 years, Celia, his beloved children and children-in-law, Dennis and Fe (Fernandez) Hevener of Auburn, GA and Yolanda (Hevener) and Frank Scheib of Burtonsville, MD, his precious grandchildren, Ross Hevener, Brittany Scheib, and Kelli Scheib, other dear relatives, and numerous brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

He looked forward to Jesus’ imminent return, when we will see him again.

A visitation was held Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 7:00PM – 8:00PM in Shorter Funeral Home.

A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to the charity of your choice.

Shorter Funeral Home is serving the family.