Heyward Duane Shealy, 89, of Prosperity, peacefully entered Eternity on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He was the son of Cyril E. "Dutz" and Rosene Alewine Shealy, predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Epting Shealy, and survived by his second wife, Barbara Wessinger Shealy.

Known to MANY as the hard-working owner/operator of the Chapin Red & White (later Food Land), which he opened on October 31st, 1960, Heyward epitomized the honest businessman with a foundation rooted in integrity and compassion for both his employees and faithful customers. Along with his business operation, he found joy and much contentment serving the Chapin/Little Mountain communities for over 35 years through the Chapin Ruritan Club amongst other organizations. He was inducted into the Chapin Chamber Hall of Fame in 2017.

His accolades include Grocer of the Year in 1976 and President of the Food Retailers in 1987.

He was a 1958 graduate of Newberry College.

Heyward was a life-long, faithful member of Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church and had served on the Church Council since the age of 17, even serving simultaneously with his father in the late 1950s. He was highly regarded as an asset to both his church and the South Carolina Lutheran Synod.

If you were fortunate enough to know Heyward, you were immediately aware that his blood ran orange for his beloved Clemson Tigers. He was an IPTAY member and a season ticket holder for over 50 years, and nothing brought him more joy than watching the Tigers run down the hill on Saturdays in the fall.

Heyward had a deep devotion to and love of his family. He was compassionate, caring, and had the biggest belly laugh that resonated throughout his community. Heyward will be remembered for his zest for life, his reverence for His Lord and Savior, and his loyalty to all things Clemson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wessinger Shealy; daughters, Terrie (Johnny) Mayer of Pomaria, Melissa (Todd) Wooldridge of Byhalia, MS and Christy Riopelle of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Jillyn (Jarrett) Maffett of Lexington, Chase Hamm of Prosperity, Cade (Emily) Hamm of Prosperity, Cassidy (Grayson) Hannah of Nashville, TN, Elvis Riopelle and Sher Riopelle both of Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Catherine Hamm and Bo Luke Hannah.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church by the Rev. Steve Counts. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church.

Active pallbearers will be Chase Hamm, Cade Hamm, Jarrett Maffett, Johnny Mayer, Danny Stuck and Todd Wooldridge.

Honorary pallbearers will be all former employees of Chapin Red and White/Food Land.