Paul "Opie" Edward Heizer Sr.

HEIZER, Paul “Opie” Edward, Sr. 66, of Ashland, died on May 9, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. Opie was born in Roanoke on February 8, 1955 to the late Jean and James W. Heizer, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cathy Arnold Heizer; children, Paul Jr. (Elizabeth), Brett (Ryan), Meredith Pearson; grandchildren, Lance, Blake, Maddox, Maddie, and Nash; mother-in-law Frances Arnold; siblings Jim (Danielle), Beth Pritchard (John “Cubby”), and Mike; sister-in-law, Pam Peyton (Randy); sister-in-law, Janice Heizer; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless best friends. Opie attended Cave Spring High School in Roanoke until his Junior year when his family moved to Richmond and graduated from Hermitage High School. He earned a scholarship to play football for the Virginia Tech Hokies and later became a Hokie Club member and supporter of the athletic department. Opie’s career on the field extended beyond his playing days where he coached various youth soccer, basketball, baseball, and football teams. Starting out as a field mechanic, he went on to become President of Commercial Plastering & Drywall, Inc., and co-founder of Commercial Acoustical Ceilings L.C. He was a member of Glen Allen Masonic Lodge No. 131, The Scottish Rite Temple, and previously served in H.E.L.P. Charities. Opie loved golf, gambling, vacationing in the Caribbean and Duck, NC but above all, his family. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday May 14, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connor’s Heroes, P.O. Box 2536, Midlothian, VA 23113 (www.connorsheroes.org). Online condolences may be registered at Nelsenashland.com.