Richard L. Heaton

Atlantic Beach resident, Richard (Dick) Leonhardt Heaton, passed away at home, on April 27, 2015, surrounded by family. He was eighty-eight years old at the time of his passing. Dick was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, the only child of Harry and Emma Leonhardt Heaton, and spent his early years in Westfield, New Jersey. In 1939, he and his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Robert E. Lee High School, where he played football.

Dick served in the United States Navy during World War II and after being honorably discharged, he attended Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated from Wofford in 1949. Dick married his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Mary Lee Coleman Heaton, in Jacksonville that same year. Together they raised six children.

Dick was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for forty years. He served as an officer in his church wherever he lived. Dick loved football, friends and family. He took great joy in visiting his children, wherever they were in the world. He enjoyed walking the Appalachian Trail with his sons during the summer, tending his green house full of orchids and gardening in general. Dick was a past member of many horticultural societies. He loved touring gardens and nurseries, particularly Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Dick was an avid amateur photographer and left a lasting photographic record of the people in his life.

Dick was predeceased by his parents and a grandson, Richard Leonhardt Heaton, III. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Coleman Heaton, six children: Pat (Dave) Randall, of Tomball, TX; Richard (Becky) Heaton, Jr., of Perry, GA; Nancy (Steve) Keen, of Jefferson, GA; John (Chandler) Heaton of Atlantic Beach, FL; Tom (Stephanie) Heaton of Atlantic Beach, FL and Harry (Patti) Heaton of Suwanee, GA; fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Community Presbyterian Church in Atlantic Beach, FL on May 2, 2015, at 11:00 a.m.

The family offers their grateful appreciation to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, especially the Beaches Team, and to Community Presbyterian Church of Atlantic Beach. To the many family and friends who have been so supportive, you have been such a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Dick’s name to Community Presbyterian Church in Atlantic Beach, FL. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.