George Reginald "Reggie" Heine II, a Lexington resident for over 50 years,
passed away peacefully at his home on May 11, 2022 at the age of 86. He is
survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Juno Mays Heine formerly of Riverview,
FL; his daughters Juno Anna and her husband Peter Szalay of Los Altos, CA and
Ruthie and her husband Ed White of Richmond, VA; his grandchildren Lily,
Margaret, George Dewey, and Grace; and his beloved Landseer Newfoundland
Raphael.
George was born in Washington DC on December 14, 1935 and spent most of
his childhood in the southeastern part of the United States. A graduate of H.B.
Plant High School in Tampa, FL, he received a Bachelor of Mechanical
Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology in 1959.
After graduation, he received a commission in the U.S. Army where he served as
a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps. He then joined Stone & Webster
where he worked as Lead Systems Control Engineer on several power plant
projects.In retirement, he became active in the Lexington Republican Town
Committee, serving most recently as Vice Chairman.
George was a devoted husband and exemplary father who touched the hearts of
everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He told captivating and
enlightening stories, and even though he often struggled to make it to the
punchline without choking up on his own laughter, his jokes always entertained.
He loved being behind the wheel and drove his 250S and 300TD Mercedes well
over a million miles on Sunday drives, family vacations to Florida and Maine, as
well as throughout Canada including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. An ideal
day trip included a stop for lobstah, fudge, and ice cream. He and Juno
crisscrossed the United States more than a dozen times visiting first their
children and then grandchildren. Always traveling with their canine companion,
George and Juno made many new friends on their road trips, and George
enjoyed connecting with long haul truckers on his CB radio.
A true engineer at heart, when he was not driving a vehicle, he was
disassembling, tinkering, and reassembling it - often with leftover parts and
improved performance! In addition to his passion for car maintenance, he was
home handy man extraordinaire performing electrical, plumbing, and light
construction work. George was also an active gardener. He could often be seen
riding his lawn tractor, fertilizing, or meticulously ensuring each blade of grass
had just the right amount of water. He cultivated an impressive tomato crop and
delighted in sharing the abundance he harvested. He was a savvy shopper,
reviewing weekly circulars, clipping coupons, and rarely making a full price
purchase.
His humble and generous ways touched the hearts of his many in Lexington and
everyone he meet throughout his travels. He will be deeply missed.
In remembrance, a public visitation will be held at Douglass Funeral Home at 51
Worthen Road in Lexington on Monday, May 16th from 4-7pm. A private
graveside service will follow on Sunday, May 22nd at Cedar Hill Cemetery in
Washington, DC.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington Fire Aid and Relief Fund
in recognition of the department's compassionate professionalism.