William Frederick Heinz Jr.

Fred was a lifelong Memphian and received his formal education from White Station High School. After graduation, he attended University of Memphis, formerly known as Memphis State. He received his degrees in History and Education. Additionally, he attended Crichton College and received a degree in Religious Studies. Later, he became an ordained minister.

Fred served in the United States Postal Office many faithful years. After retiring, he began teaching and coaching at Briarcrest Christian School and later served with his father in pastoral care for seniors at multiple senior living facilities along with personal home visits.

Fred loved sports, including coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play. He began coaching youth at a young age. He coached little league basketball, baseball and football with the Parkway Village Youth League, Southland Baptist Church, Central Church, and Crichton College. He was the first sports coordinator for the Family Life Center at Central Church and could be found scouting athletes for his brother, Jim.

The light of Christ shined bright through Fred, encouraging others to follow his example to love like the Lord calls us to love. He enjoyed praying, devotions, singing hymns and reading the Bible. The book of Ruth was especially favored, and he used it often during marriage ceremonies. Fred was a devoted follower of Christ and often shared stories involving the impact Jesus had in his life which provided hope and joy of the future. Fred had a gift of providing a level of dignity, compassion, and integrity to all he met and served.

He was a good, spirited man. He brought joy and humor into every conversation whether it was childhood stories about the mischief the “Cossitt Street 6” got up to, his masterful duct tape repairs, card tricks that lead to questionable wins, or when he spoke about his trusty, little red truck. His shenanigans were cherished and will be missed.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Rev. W.F. Heinz, Sr. and Gladys Heinz; siblings Gladys Mae Heinz, Mildred Fingar, Charles Heinz and Jim Heinz; brothers-in-law Walter Fingar and Mike Smith; sister-in-law Carolyn Heinz; son-in-law, Mark Wade; and two grandsons Bradford Mitchell and James (Bubba) Wade.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Frances Heinz; his four children Bill (Darlene) Heinz, Donna Wade, Anita (Scott) Lyons, and Carolyn Mitchell; his four siblings Dorthy Jean Smith, Ray (Sarah) Heinz, David Heinz, and Mary (Randy) Lockley; and sisters-in-law Freda Heinz and Jane Heinz.

He leaves to cherish his memory, grandchildren Jennifer (Charlie) Matthews, Kim (Arron) Woolsey, Joey (Sara) Heinz, Ashley (Kevin) Henson, Melissa (Christopher) Edwards, Chad (Amy) Mitchell, Jonathan Wade, Ted (Kristyn) Lyons, Kristen (Micah) Dukes, Rebekah Lyons, Anna Lyons, and Daniel Lyons, as well as 19 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Donations to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in memory of Bubba Wade, per Fred’s request, would reflect his giving spirit.

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, September 1 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 2 beginning at 2:00 p.m. all at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38122. Burial with procession will follow in Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133.

Psalms 32:1-8: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones washed away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore, let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”