Pastor Edward Owen Heptinstall, Sr.

Pastor Edward Owen Heptinstall, Sr. departed this life on December 22, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a lifelong servant of God who touched everyone he encountered. His infectious attitude and giving spirit will forever remain in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.

Rev. Heptinstall was born September 3, 1934, the son of Felton and Jewel Heptinstall of Anniston, AL.  He was the best friend and devoted husband of Geraldine Dear Heptinstall, and the father of two children, Edward Owen Heptinstall, Jr. and Michael Felton Heptinstall.

Rev. Heptinstall graduated from Anniston High School (Anniston, AL) and later graduated Sanford University (Birmingham, AL) and Baptist Bible College (Graceville, FL), where he earned Bachelor of Arts Degrees.

Rev. Heptinstall was ordained at Hiland Park Baptist Church (Panama City, FL). He  served several churches as Associate Pastor, Minister of Music, and Youth Director, and answered the call to Pastor in 1981 where he continued to ignite the light of Christ through his ministry. The last five years of ministry have been with the loving and caring people of Concord Baptist Church (Fairview, AL).

Rev. Heptinstall has touched many lives with his gracious spirit and steadfast faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine Dear Heptinstall and two sons, Edward Owen Heptinstall, Jr. (wife Donna) and Michael Felton Heptinstall (wife Tamara); Sister—Betty H. Rowe; grandchildren—David Heptinstall (wife Nicole), Jennifer Walters, Jared Peel, Andrew Heptinstall (wife Tracy) and Lacy Stancil (husband Josh); great-grandchildren—Carlee Walters, Raina Peel, Adison Heptinstall, twins Aiden and Asher Heptinstall, Emmaline Heptinstall and Brooklyn Stancil; brother-in-law—Lloyd Allen Dear (wife Mary); nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Rev. Heptinstall had a passion about teaching and preaching the Word of God that he loved so much and lived and believed Christ alone could and would change anyone’s life.

Rev. Heptinstall made the biggest impression on people by his actions while battling cancer. All that he taught and preached he modeled it to the end. He never prayed for healing, only that God would use him to minster to others in need. He looked for the day he would step into the arms of Jesus and hear Him say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

Funeral Services will held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel in Golden Springs. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Cullman Funeral Home, and Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel in Golden Springs.

Cullman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.