Obituary of Julius Holcomb Heckle

Julius “Jay” Holcomb Heckle Jr., 84, passed peacefully on February 9th, 2022 at Lexington Medical Center. He was born on October 5th, 1937 in Greensboro, NC and was the first-born son of Julius H. and Daisy Williams Heckle of Sumter.  He attended Edmonds High School in Sumter, SC and the University of South Carolina.  After working for a number of years, Jay discovered his passion for working with people in the insurance business.  He earned success as an agent, winning numerous awards and vacations throughout his years in the insurance industry.  Jay developed friendly relationships with many of his clients and truly enjoyed his profession. 

Jay is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Margaret Snelgrove Heckle; his children:  Kathy Kozma (Chris) of Beaufort, SC; Donald Heckle of Myrtle Beach, SC; Mark Heckle (Ellen) of Archer City, TX; Kim Keisler (Terry) of Gilbert, SC.  Grandchildren include:  Christopher Kozma Jr.; Kayce Bragg (Eugene); Taylor Heckle; Logan Heckle; Cody Keisler (Brook); Jacob Keisler (Rebekah); Lexi Keisler; Graci Keisler. Jay has four great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. 

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Cloy and Sara Fulmer Snelgrove of Batesburg; his eldest son, Julius “Tripp” Heckle III; brothers Bill, Rusty, and Donald Heckle.

Jay’s commitment to family, his service as a choir member at First Calvary Baptist Church of Leesville, and his love of Gamecock sports were pillars of his personality known and loved by all who knew him.  He had many hobbies that included music, sharing his love of Christianity, writing a manuscript, cars, being involved in his children’s lives, and was always cheering for a win by his beloved Gamecocks. 

The family will receive friends at First Calvary Baptist Church in Leesville at 2:30 pm on Sunday, February 13th, followed by a memorial service at 4 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Hospital.