Clifford Nixon Hetzell

Clifford Nixon Hetzell Jr., 88, of Vernon Hill, Va., and formerly of Deerfield, N.J., died Tuesday, Aug. 29 at his home.

Mr. Hetzell was born in Bridgeton (N.J.) Hospital on Jan. 24, 1935 to the late Clifford Hetzell Sr. and Fern (Whitson) Hetzell. He married Sally Ann Hannah on Sept. 8, 1957 at Elmer Methodist Church. They were 10 days from celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Hetzell was a lifelong farmer, beginning at his father’s dairy farm. He graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1955 and was a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard. He was employed as a farm manager at Leesburg State Prison for 17 years. He moved to Virginia in 1987 to pursue his dream of farming full-time and operating a hog farm.

To say he had work ethic would be an understatement. He ran his hog operation until the last week of his life. He was still working at 88!

He loved his family, especially his four children, who all inherited his work ethic.

Surviving are daughters, Yvonne Mae Rieck (John), of Axton, Va., Theresa Laura Schilling (Harald), of Vernon Hill, Va., Leah Fern Newkirk (Sam), of Garner, N.C, and a son Clifford Nixon Hetzell III (Karen), of Vernon Hill, Va.; eight grandchildren, Denise Schilling Henninger, of Bridgeton, N.J., Kevin Schilling, of Elmer, N.J., John Rieck, of Axton, Va., Hattie Rieck, of Axton, Va., Chase Hetzell, of Crystal Hill, Va., Jessica Hetzell Seat, of Virgilina, Va., Hannah Newkirk, of Durham, N.C., and Declan Newkirk, of Garner, N.C.; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Mr. Hetzell was predeceased by a brother, Neal Hetzell; and grandson Keith Lang.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request memorial contributions be made to Blairs Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 7100 US Highway 29, Blairs, VA 24527

Arrangements are under the direction of Norris Funeral Services, Inc., and Crematory in Chatham, Va. Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at norrisfuneral.com.