It is with great sadness that the family of Ralph Milo "Pedro" Heflin Jr. announces his passing, after a brief battle with cancer, on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was 58.

Ralph was a longtime resident of Stafford County. He graduated in 1973 from South Stafford High School, where he met the love of his life, Peggy. After high school Ralph took a position with VSE Corp. in Alexandria, where he gave more than 25 years of service and was one of the youngest employees to receive recognition for this milestone achievement. He was then employed by General Dynamics for more than 12 years, working as a master mechanic on Department of Defense contracts.

Ralph spent most of his free time working around the house, fixing and building things. He enjoyed collecting and fixing up antique clocks, which is how he received his nickname "Father Time." If he wasn't working on a project, he was spending time playing with his grandson, "Little Britches," and being a family man. His home was always open to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Peggy; son Shawn Heflin and wife Tammy; daughter Heather McCormick and Richard; grandson Hunter McCormick; his parents, Ralph and Frances Heflin; brother Bernard; half sister Phyllis; his loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by brother Milo Heflin.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, where a service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. Interment will follow in Stafford Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ralph M. Heflin Jr. Memorial Fund for the education of his grandson and future grandchildren. Donations may be made by contacting any branch of the Navy Federal Credit Union.