G. Fred Heise, age 87, of New Smyrna Beach, died Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Born in El Paso, Texas on July 19, 1931, Fred attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and received his B.S. Degree from Colorado State University in 1953. He then was called to serve in the United States Army as 1st Lieutenant in the Korean War.
After his service, he returned to El Paso and was active and involved in the community, participating on many civic boards including, The Sun Bowl and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Jaycees. On July 12, 1957, he married Norma McVay and was married for 36 years until she died of breast cancer in 1993. His lifetime career in shopping center management and development started in 1963.
Fred received his Shopping Center Management Certificate in 1965 from Michigan State University. He then lived and worked developing shopping centers in Warren, Ohio, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Clearwater, Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach.
During this time, he managed and/or developed 149 shopping centers including Sunshine Mall in South Daytona and Bellair Center in Daytona Beach. Fred served as President or Vice President of many business organizations including LR Property Management, Inc. In October, 1983, he resigned his presidency and formed his own company, Sunco Advisory and Development Corp. Part of Sunco’s developments were seven Denny’s Restaurants in the Volusia County areas.
Fred’s public service to the community included serving as Vice-chair of New Smyrna Beach Utility Commission, New Smyrna Kiwanis Club, where he was awarded a life membership. He was president of ARC and was awarded “The Dove”, their highest award. Fred was on the Board of Directors and Vice President of I-Care (agency for prevention of child abuse) and was co-founder of the Port Orange-South Daytona Chamber of Commerce.
Most dear to his heart was his formation of and chairman of the “Kiwanis Ball”, the top social event for delayed and handicapped citizens throughout Volusia County, held every year at Embry- Riddle. Fred was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange and it was there he developed the Grace Memorial Garden. He was a member of New Smyrna Boat and Ski Club, Inlet Shore Civic Association, and the New Smyrna Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include his wife, Marti; two sons, Dr. John Heise of Chattanooga, TN (daughter-in-law, Dr. Jeanie Heise); and Robert Heise of New Smyrna Beach; two grandsons, Alex and Griffin Heise; step granddaughter, Sommer Beard and two great grandchildren. Also, stepson, Kenny (Robin) Warrington of New Smyrna Beach, grandchildren Jocelyn, Braeden, Corbin, Alina and Summer; stepdaughter, Heidi Warrington of New Smyrna Beach, and grandchild, Ciana. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Grace Episcopal Church, Port Orange, with the Reverend Rick Burhans, officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made in Fred’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Gardens, 4110 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32127.
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