Sam "S.E." Hefner,

Sam Edward "S.E." Hefner, Jr., age 76, with his family by his side, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, August 25, 2012.  He was born in Alexander County on March 18, 1936 to the late Sam Edward and Ina Bowman Hefner.  S.E. was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir, taught Sunday School and served as the Chairman of Deacons and the Cemetery Committee.  He was a self-employed house painter.  Restoring and collecting classic cars was a hobby he enjoyed throughout his life.  He was the best Paw-Paw!!  S.E. was blessed to have many good friends.  His unselfish acts of generosity will never be forgotten.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael Edward Hefner and a brother, Maynard Hefner.  He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Emilie Reid Hefner of the home; two daughters Sandra Hefner Keller and husband Scott of Bethlehem and Yvonne Hefner Dicks and husband Robert of Myrtle Beach, SC; two sons Jeffrey Hefner and Douglas Hefner, both of Bethlehem; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three brothers Bill and wife Hallie, Jerry and wife Barbara, Allen and wife Judy; four sisters Helen Miller, Shirley Lail and husband Sam, Jane Bowman and husband Ned, all of Bethlehem, Brenda Bowman of Taylorsville; one sister-in-law Catherine Hefner of Bethlehem; one aunt Novella Bowman Teague of Bethlehem; and one uncle Pleaz Bowman and wife Agnes of West Palm Beach, FL.
A celebration of his life will be conducted on Tuesday, August 28 at 2:00pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church with visitation immediately following the graveside service.  Rev. Dr. Roger Nix and Rev. Ken Little will officiate.  Pall bearers will be his grandsons; Michael and Patrick Keller, Ethan and Seth Hefner, Addison, Conner and Weston Dicks.  Honorary pallbearer will be his great-grandson; Owen Michael Keller and flower girl will be his great-granddaughter; Elisabeth Avery Keller.  Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7500 NC Hwy. 127, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or to the donor's charity of choice.