Darrell Craig Heinrich

Born to Al and Enid Heinrich, he was raised in the Bay area and attended Hayward High School where he was Student Body Vice President, an Honor Society member and best known for his accolades in swimming — “All American" in 6 individual events, 2 relays, plus he set a USA/American record in the 400 yard Individual Medley! He received a well-deserved swimming scholarship and graduated from the University of Houston where he was also Head Cheerleader.

In 1961, Darrell was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and served 30 years which included 9 years in Germany and 2 tours in Vietnam. He was a Platoon, Company, Battalion and Brigade Commander. He was a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. While on active duty, he graduated with a Masters in Procurement from Florida Institute of Technology.

During his time in Germany, Darrell met a little red headed DOD school teacher. Returning to the states, they were happily married in 1983 and he took over the DISCOM Brigade at Fort Ord CA. Together they were initially assigned to Hawaii, only to be sent to Chambersburg PA and then back to Germany again. His final duty station was at the Presidio in San Fran. He was home again as President of the US Army Physical Evaluation Board.

Darrell’s love of the Army and his 30 years of service honored him with 4 Legion of Merit medals, 3 Bronze Stars, 5 Meritorious Service medals, the Army Achievement medal and 7 Vietnam Campaign Stars. Ultimately, he achieved the rank of Colonel and served that grade for 13 years. He was so proud of his career service and so are we!

Darrell and Diane moved to Winston-Salem to enjoy retirement. As if he didn’t have enough degrees, he graduated with an MBA from the Wake Forest Executive Program. He worked the next 7 years for Lowe’s Home Improvement as Logistics Manager and then 7 years for Time Warner Cable as Director of Public Affairs.

He is survived by his wife Diane of 43 years, his daughter Denise (Boone), son Craig (Kim) and his four grandchildren Colby (19) and triplets: Andrew, Allison and Alex (17).

Please keep reading because we want you to know more . . . like how he loved the Deacs, 49ers and Jimmy Johnson #48. Darrell was the most organized and efficient person, in fact, we called him “The Darrellizer.” The energy never ended. You should have seen his yard — thank you John Deere. And his love of writing poems created so many memories especially at Christmas.

For Darrell’s 88 years of life there were many medical challenges. We never heard him complain; he just kept persevering. In the last year, Darrell faced one of his biggest health challenges. How fortunate that his care involved an amazing team of specialists, nurses and Doctor Diane at WFBH. We also appreciate the team at Miller Street Dialysis Center.

All services will be held at Vogler Funeral Home at Forsyth Memorial Park on Saturday, May 17. Visitation begins at noon and the Celebration of Life at 1pm followed by the military burial at Forsyth Memorial Park.