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Darrell Eugene Heatherly, age 70, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away peacefully, under the care of his loved ones, on Sunday, September 19, 2021 surrounded by his loving daughter Courtnie Heatherly-Parrish, his devoted soul mate Karey Lewis and adoring sister, Janet Hughes Lee.
Darrell was born March 17, 1951 in Indianapolis, Indiana. His parents were Hubert Heatherly and Genevieve (Steadham) Heatherly, later Strodtman. Family was very important to Darrell and he always reflected on how blessed, loved and secured his adopted parents made him feel. Darrell was very active with swimming, diving, football, and the Boy Scouts as he grew up on the southside of Indianapolis. After graduating from Southport High School in 1969, he attended Indiana State University and was a very active member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology and earth sciences. Later in life Darrell would also earn a civil engineering degree from Purdue University, Indianapolis.
Darrell‘s professional experience found several industries and geographies. In college he worked for Bachrach Men’s Clothiers, and his taste for luxury fashion would be appreciated for the remainder of his life. He worked for Peabody Coal Company in both southern Indiana as well as Arizona. In the 1980’s, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina where he owned Goose Creek Chimney Sweep. He would return to Central Indiana and pursue his engineering career. He excelled in construction and building project management. He worked for the City of Indianapolis, Peri Formworks & Doka USA, for years in several states and in Germany. The last part of Darrell‘s career life, he made the move to pursue his true passion for photography. He was a pioneer in the real estate virtual tour world. He spent countless hours at tradeshows, conferences, produced top rated real estate pictures and trained first class photographers while working with Obeo, Inc. Tour Factory and starting his own company, 360 Media-Plus. It was via Tour Factory when he met his longtime girlfriend Karey.
Darrell was much more than a successful professional. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He was known for his deep connection to those he loved and befriended, often having very long intimate and intelligent conversations, anytime he had a caring receptive ear. He was never afraid to share his perspective, opinion, patriotic conservative political stance or give advice he knew would help others.
Darrell loved to travel. Charleston, South Carolina, was dearest to his heart. He always pursued his enjoyment of “finer things”, cigars, clothing, cologne, jewelry, bourbon, car racing and country music concerts with his brother-in-law Ben. Most importantly Darrell deeply loved Jesus Christ.
Darrell is survived by his daughter, Courtnie Alane Heatherly-Parrish (husband Steve); granddaughter, Madison Parrish; loving partner, Karey Lewis; biological sister, Janet Hughes Lee (husband Michael); brother, Donald Heatherly (wife Kathi); sister, Autumn Heatherly Farrell (husband Ben); nieces, Taylor Heatherly and Ella Grace Farrell; and nephew Mack Heatherly.
The family will have a private memorial service. Donations may be made in Darrell’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Gary Frey says
I’m so sorry to hear about Darrell’s passing. I first met him when we both worked at Bachrach’s in Terre Haute. We ran into each other several times over the years. I know he loves the Lord Jesus and he’s with Him now. Many blessings to his family.
Lynn O'Toole says
Darrell was such a gentleman. He always told me how pretty I looked. I met him through his love and my good friend Karey. He loved to sing us songs over the phone when he still lived in Indy. He had such knowledge on so many subjects and we had the love of our country in common. He was a true patriot. I unfortunately had to watch his decline as his illness took over. He was a hell of trooper though. Always hoping for a miracle. Rest in peace Darrell. I love you, I’m going to miss you and I promise to take care of Karey.
Ann Nilsen says
Sincerest sympathy to you Courtnie and all of your family. Love and prayers.
Tina Smith says
So sorry! So glad I was able to enjoy some of his great conversations and had a chance to meet him. What a great man! Prayers with you all through this difficult time.
Nicole Palm says
Darrell,
It was a pleasure working with you during your time at TourFactory. You were always so kind to me and really took the time to get to know me. I enjoyed hearing all of your stories and you always made me laugh. You will be very missed.
Anne Hagan says
Karey Ann, I’m so sorry I wish I could have known him and I hope to meet you soon. My best, Anne <3
Dan and Carol Colley says
Darrell, Until we meet again…hugs and prayers Karey.
Cindy Hofmann says
Keeping all who knew and loved Darrel in my prayers. Especially praying for my daughter Courtnie who is missing her father greatly.
Joseph Muraida Jr. says
Sorry to hear of Darrells passing. I will always think about him and the good times we had! RIP Darrell I will have a Drink to You tonight, you will be missed Brother!
Bill Haney says
I was saddened to hear about Darrell’s passing. Our family’s prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones. He will be remembered fondly and with a smile. I have a nice cigar that he gave me years back and I will enjoy that with a little bit of Bookers in his honor. Rest in peace Darrell. Until we see one another again.
Bill Cahill says
Darrell was one of my oldest friends. We met at Indiana State University in September 1971, where he had the dorm rooom next to mine. He got me to join 5he Sigma Pi fraternity and he followed me into a geology major. We shared lots of good times in both Terre Haute and Indianapolis. We managed to keep in touch over the years and he visited my wife and myself on the Mississippi gulf coast several times. He was a good friend and a truly unique individual. He will be greatly missed..
Tom Cooper says
Darrell took a chance on me in Indianapolis with Tour Factory 9 years ago. He was a good friend and photographer mentor. RIP.