Erskine X Heatherley

Erskine X. Heatherley Jr. passed into glory on May 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well lived.

Born on August 4, 1931, in Davie County, North Carolina, he was the son of Erskine X. Heatherley Sr. and Hettie Langston Heatherley. As the son of a preacher, his childhood was shaped by faith, family, and frequent moves that carried him through several communities across North Carolina.

Known affectionately as “PK” for “Preacher’s Kid,” Erskine had a quiet wit and a mischievous streak that followed him from childhood into adulthood. One favorite family story recalled how, as a young boy, he wandered away with neighborhood children during the school day, spending hours exploring creeks and woods until school let out. When teachers later questioned his mother at church about his absence, he earned himself a temporary escort to school for a while afterward, a story he carried with humor for years.

Erskine devoted 44 years of dedicated service to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, where he formed lifelong friendships and earned the respect of coworkers through his steady presence, loyalty, and understated humor.

He was a man who did not waste words, often saying it was “better to remain quiet and let people think you don’t know much than to speak and remove all doubt.” Beneath that dry humor was a thoughtful, observant man who loved deeply in his own steady way.

He found joy in life’s simpler things: fishing trips to Jordan Lake and Hatteras, time spent outdoors, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. He enjoyed NASCAR, Carolina sports, and never lost his sense of humor. Family members especially remember the time he made his way from the upper deck at Kenan Stadium to scold a spirited NCSU cheerleader for yelling “Go to Hell Carolina” a little too enthusiastically.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hollis Heatherley.

Erskine is survived by wife, Marilyn; daughters Ann Heatherley and Lila Kirk(Denise); granddaughter,Heather Bradsher(Keith); grandson, Michael Kirk(Haley); great-grandchildren, Hayden,Kamden,Hudson and Sadie; Sisters, Celeste Morgan, Sue Woody and Grace Lawrence; brother Francis Heatherley and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church. A reception in the fellowship hall will immediately follow the service where the family will receive friends,extended family and those who wish to remember Erskine. 

The family would like to send a special thanks to the angels who helped provide care and support to Erskine the past few months; Stephanie,Tosha,Tiffany, Ne’Shelle and Latasha. 

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Heatherley family.