Gayther Frank Heddins

Gayther was born in Edgewood, Texas, June 2, 1936, to Albert William Heddins and Eula Frances Parker Heddins. He was the youngest of nine children.

Gayther married his life-long sweetheart, Mary Dell Higginbotham Heddins. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 7th of this year. Gayther and Mary were blessed with four children; Billy G. Heddins, Tommy R. Heddin, Terri Heddin Baker and Kevin D. Heddins.

Gayther began his working career at Ford Motor Company in Dallas, Texas. He left there to farm and ranch with his dad. In addition to farming and ranching, he worked with Kelly Springfield in Tyler, Texas, from April 15th, 1963 until May 1st, 1993. He continued farming and ranching, with the help of his son, Tommy, until his death.

Gayther was well-known for his huge heart, wonderful hugs and his vegetable gardening! He was lovingly called “Uncle Gatorade” by his great nieces and “Big “G” by his adoring son-in-law Scott. If he knew you and liked you, you probably had a love-name!

Gayther was also well known for his abundant crops of watermelon, peas, onions, tomatoes and potatoes, just to name a few. He loved gardening and always grew extra to share with friends and family. He recently discovered pea seeds he had thought were lost! He was so excited to know the great pea lineage would carry on! His son Tommy will continue Gayther’s legacy of farming and ranching.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, youngest son, Kevin Heddin in 1987, grandson Cody England in 2013 and oldest son, Billy Heddin in 2014.

Gayther is survived by his wife, Mary, son Tommy, Edgewood, Texas, daughter Terri and husband Scott Baker, Dallas, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Cathy Heddin, Edgewood, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Farnsworth and husband Johnathon, Canton, Texas, Cheree Kirkwood and husband Darren, Canton, Texas, Billy Frank Heddin, Edgewood, Texas; Nicholas Grabbs and wife Christine of Poetry, Texas, Patrick Grabbs of Dallas, Texas and Andrew Grabbs of Frisco, Texas; Haley Heddin and husband, Allen Williams of Canton, Texas; nine great-grandchildren; Jaden, Jordan, Jaycelyn and Jamieson Farnsworth, James R. Grabbs, Savannah G. Grabbs, Blakely Rae Williams, Adison and Riley Kirkwood.

Services will be 3 PM Wednesday March 8, 2017 at the Eubank Funeral Home in Canton. Visitation will 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.