William Heise

William Heise (October 15, 1935 – September 9, 2025)

William “Bill” Heise was born on October 15, 1935 to Hermann and Marie Heise in Brooklyn, New York.  He was the youngest of five children, his siblings being Doris, Katie, Fred, and Herman.

As a teenager he enjoyed working on a dairy farm in upstate New York during the summers.  After trying to pursue his dream career as an aircraft mechanic, he returned home to Brooklyn in 1956 and soon became involved in two careers that would define his life.  He found a good paying job with New York Telephone and would continue with ‘Ma Bell’ until his retirement in 1992.  More importantly, he came to appreciate the Bible truths his two older brothers had found and in November 1961 was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In 1962 he married Constance Knutsen and soon they had two boys.  Sadly, after moving his family to northern Virginia, his wife was diagnosed with cancer and passed away.  Through mutual friends in the congregation, Bill met Melinda Meares and the two were married in December 1968.  Having four children of her own from a previous marriage, they happily set about raising the six children together; William, Anthony, Rebecca, Michael, Melissa, and Gary.

Bill and his family served with the Leesburg congregation initially.  As an elder, he often visited other congregations as a public speaker, took the lead as a book study conductor and in the field ministry.  Over the years, they enjoyed seeing kingdom interests expand in that area to some 13 congregations and language groups today.   Additionally he and Melinda volunteered on many theocratic building projects; the Crownsville Maryland Assembly Hall, the Vienna and Sterling Kingdom Halls, and several other Kingdom Halls in Virginia and North Carolina.  After his retirement, he served as a pioneer for about seven years.  Bill and Melinda had the joy of seeing both of their daughters serve as pioneers, and all four of their sons serve as elders in their respective congregations.

Having previously moved to North Carolina to help care for Melinda’s mother, Bill made one final move in 2007 to Winston Salem.  In spite of various health challenges that arose due to advancing years, Bill had the privilege of serving as an elder alongside his youngest son in the West Winston Salem and finally the North Clemmons congregation.  In all, Bill set an excellent example of faithful service to Jehovah for his family and friends for almost 64 years.

Bill died on September 9, 2025 after a brief period of declining health.  He is survived by his wife Melinda Heise; sons William White (Dale), Anthony White (Vicky), Michael Heise (Debra), and Gary Heise (Julie); grandchildren Jonathan Heise (Abigail), Anna Heise; and great granddaughter Everleigh.  Sadly his daughters Rebecca Kazmierczak and Melissa White preceded him in death.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful support provided by Trellis Supportive Care, ComForCare Home Care, and ARO Community Services as they cared for Bill during his final days at home.

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