Harry “Butch” R. Heigl, 85, was born December 29, 1940, in Niagara Falls, New York, and died July 27, 2026. A resident of Sylacauga, Alabama, Butch lived with steady purpose and quiet devotion—grounded in faith, shaped by service, and anchored by deep love for family and community.
Butch attended Sylacauga High School and a military academy, Stark University School in Montgomery, Alabama, experiences that helped form the discipline and resolve that would guide him throughout his life.
In 1965, Butch enlisted in the United States Army and served four years in the Signal Corp as a Staff Sergeant. Among his most notable assignments was service in White House communications under President Lyndon B. Johnson—work that reflected both trust and responsibility.
While in Washington, DC, Butch met the love of his life, Susan. They married in 1969 and shared 57 years of marriage. That same year, they returned to Sylacauga and built their life there, creating a home marked by loyalty, commitment, and the kind of care that endures through every season. They loved to travel, especially when it meant time with family.
After his military service, Butch built a long and dependable career, working for 35 years at Kimberly Clark, US Alliance, and Bowater as a First Line Supervisor.
Butch found joy in life’s steady pleasures—fishing, golf, reading, and, most of all, time spent with his grandchildren. In retirement, he continued to give of himself, dedicating time to St. Jude Catholic Church, Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, and the Community Garden, offering help in the same dependable way he lived: consistently, generously, and without seeking attention.
A Rosary Service will be held at St Jude Catholic Church, 310 W Bay St, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on August 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by Visitation from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 pm at St Jude Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 1501 Talladega Highway, Sylacauga.
Pallbearers will be Benjamin Heigl, Wesley Heigl, Luke Heigl, Lamar Houston, Blake Houston, and Anotolio Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Lampe and Bill Mintz.
Butch is survived by his son, David Heigl (Kathy); his daughter, Melanie Heigl; his grandchildren, Benjamin Heigl, Wesley Heigl, and Luke Heigl; and his brother, Jim Heigl (Margaret Ann) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Heigl; his father, Harry William Heigl; his mother, Mary Agnus Heigl; his sister, Kay Jeffords; his brothers, Bill Heigl and Herb Heigl; his sister, Mary Jean Sakunie; and his stepmother, Lucy Heigl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, or St. Jude Catholic Church.
The family offers special thanks to the staff of Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, who cared for Harry and made him a part of their family.
