Edgar Norwood Heinley's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Norwood Heinley
August 9, 1929 - June 26, 2023
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Edgar Norwood Heinley, a devoted family man, community leader, hospital volunteer, sports enthusiast, and woodworker. Norwood brought immeasurable love, warmth, and joy into the lives of those around him. Norwood peacefully departed from this world on June 26, 2023 leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Born August 9, 1929, Norwood was a beacon of kindness and compassion. His devotion to his family was evident in nearly every facet of his life. As a loving husband, he was the rock and anchor for his beloved wife, Melba, with whom he shared a journey of 50+ years. Their bond was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of witnessing their deep and enduring love.
Norwood was a remarkable father, supporting with love and guidance into the lives of his two children, James and Rebecca. He enjoyed talking, laughing, and offering a listening ear, advice, and support to his kids as much as possible. Norwood's presence in their lives was a source of strength and comfort, instilling in them values of honesty, integrity, and the importance of family.
Beyond his role as a husband and father, Norwood was an exceptional grandfather to his grandchildren Brandon and Andrew, his great-grandchildren Pearl, Wren, and Andrea, and all the extensive children and grandchildren on the side of his loving sister Nita Faye, and his brother Wendal Edgar. He cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was visiting, going to watch them play sports, quality time in the train room or wood shop, or sharing laughter around the family table. Older family members will remember fondly his time spent ‘hunting’ in Arkansas with Philip Thompson and other relatives. ‘Hunting’ is in quotes because he was not interested in shooting animals, but the fun of being in nature as a family activity. Norwood's playful spirit and genuine interest in their lives made him a generous role model leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Norwood and Melba also owned Heinley’s Car Care Center with a clear vision of excellent customer service in the gasoline and automotive business. His children and grandson also worked at the station off and on in their early teen years as well. The business continues to this day with one of his best early employees, Mike Jones, stepping in to own and operate for the last 20 years. Heinley’s was and is recognized throughout Dallas as one of the best and friendliest places to get repairs done.
Norwood's warm and inviting nature extended beyond his immediate family. With his own hands and can-do spirit, he helped build Community Christian Church in Richardson. He had an uncanny ability to forge deep connections with friends and neighbors, offering a helping hand and a comforting presence whenever it was needed. He was known for his generous spirit, leadership, and his genuine interest in the lives of others.
A man of many passions, Norwood found solace and fulfillment in simple pleasures. He had a profound love for woodworking and spent countless hours focusing in his woodshop, and later in the train room he built at his home. Over the last 20 years he focused his energy on making birdhouses for friends, outdoor art for the holidays, and donating over 600 handmade wooden toys for terminally-ill children at Medical City in Dallas. He volunteered at the hospital each week for 17 years during his retirement and was able to positively affect thousands of people’s lives, even being recognized as Medical City’s Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
Norwood was also an avid sports enthusiast, spending weekends cheering passionately for the Cowboys, the Rangers, and of course any Arkansas Razorback team, no matter the sport. He was often in the stands cheering, having traveled to watch his kids, grandkids, great grand-kids, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews (and so on) participate in sports, life events, and achievements. He genuinely enjoyed being close with all of his family.
Family and friends will come together at his graveside next to Melba on July 1, 2023 at 9:30am at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Medical City (see below) as a tribute to Norwood's generous spirit and his desire to make a positive difference in the world.
May Norwood's soul find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring comfort and solace to those who were fortunate to have shared in his remarkable journey.
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
Donations:
Paypal: paypal.me/heinley
Venmo: venmo.com/heinley
Please make Checks to ..
Medical City Dallas Auxiliary
Mailing Address
Medical City Dallas Auxiliary
c/o Medical City Dallas Volunteer Department
7777 Forest Lane, Suite A140
Dallas, TX 75230
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