With much sadness, we announce the death of William Harvey ("Van") Heflin, Jr., of Laguna Woods, CA.  Van, age 93, was born in Groesbeck, Texas, on April 29, 1930, and passed away peacefully in his home on March 5, 2024, with family and friends by his side.

After relocating to California, at age 21, Van became one of the youngest managers in the F. W. Woolworth chain of stores.   Van and Phyllis met at the Woolworth Store in Los Angeles where he worked full-time, and Phyllis worked part-time during her senior year of high school.  Van always smiled when he told their story, quoting the popular song at the time:  "I Found A Million-Dollar Baby In A Five and Ten Cent Store".

Van and Phyllis eventually settled in Orange County, where they owned their own gift shop, "The Coral Tree", at the site where the present-day Mother's Market is located in Lguna Woods. They raised their three children, Van, Brent, and Jennifer, and enjoyed wonderful family times of adventures and travel on land and sea.  After Van's retail career, they decided to pursue real estate together.  They became the first husband and wife team in Laguna Woods.  Their success in real estate blossomed into building and owning Heflin Realty, which would grow and transition into becoming Laguna Premier Realty.   Van and Phyllis were planning to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2024.

Van was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and William Harvey Heflin, Sr., his brother Gerald Heflin, and his sister, Joyce Wynn.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, their children, Van, Brent and Jennifer Heflin and their families, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many other much-loved family and friends, including, "Lady" Van's beloved cat.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at Geneva Presbyterian Church, 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.  A reception will follow immediately in the Church Fellowship Hall.

The family is being assisted by McCormick and Son Mortuaries, Laguna Woods, CA.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to either the Christian Women's Connection of Laguna Woods or The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village.  Checks should be noted:  "In Memory of Van Heflin", made payable to:

CWC, C/O Laurie Rodmaker, 2397 Via Mariposa W. Unit 2H, Laguna Woods, CA 92637

The Foundation of Laguna Woods, P. O. Box 3279, Laguna Woods, CA  92654-3279

The family would like to express their gratitude to neighbors, friends, co-workers, and all those who have crossed paths with Van.  You have been such a huge support and touched his life with your caring and kindness.

With a strong faith, Van lived out his life by the sacred words:  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  Greatly missed, he left a wonderful legacy for us all.