John William Heath

HEPHZIBAH, Ga. - Mr. John William Heath, 74, of Hephzibah, GA passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, May 25, 2014. He was born in Lincoln County, Tennessee on March 24, 1940. He served faithfully in the United States Navy and while stationed in Jacksonville, Florida he met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Arnold. They lived in Jacksonville for the first 25 years of their marriage. John retired from the Navy in August of 1977 and worked for the Port Authority in Jacksonville before moving to Hephzibah to take a job at Plant Vogtle from which he retired in 2000. He was active in the Augusta Billiards League and was an avid hunter and fisherman. John was a big fan of NASCAR, attending many races to root on his favorite drivers. He will be sorely missed by all who came to know him and will be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father and trustworthy friend. Mr. Heath leaves to mourn his wife of 50 years, Sylvia Arnold Heath; son, Billy Heath of Hephzibah; daughter, Rev. Debby Morris (Suzanne Krall) of Germantown, MD; sisters, Sherrie Donohue and Kathy Rose Smith; grandchildren, Lauren, William and Eliot Heath, Sean Hughes and Kayla Baker; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie M. and Dortha Tanner Heath; and two sons, John Kelly Heath and David McCray Heath. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 PM and Thursday from 1 - 3 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held 3 PM, Thursday, May 29, 2014 in the Lumpkin Road Chapel of Elliott Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hephzibah-Vance Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be David, Tommy, Brian and Eugene Gelaro, Eugene Curtis, Brian Thomas, Bobby Sheffield, Robert Beaty, Clyde Scott, Barry Congressi and Frank Buffington.