He was born on May 20, 1938 to Roy and Lena Heath in Jones County. Ray spent most of his life as a plumber, landscaper, and jack-of-all-trades. He was a legendary coon hunter and dog trainer.
Ray was preceded by his parents; one brother, Robert Heath; and sisters, Brenda Stephens, Ann Lewis, Dorothy Frimel, and Lucy Porterfield.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Gladys Lawson; sons, Jerry Ray Heath (Karen), Douglas Allen Heath (Ann), Russell Vance Heath; siblings, John Heath (Helen), Shirley Pickett (Kenny), Roy Heath (Katherine), and Lois Herring (Bobby); grandchildren, Bryon, Amanda, Justin, Jacob, Dillon, Taylor, and Wyatt; and great-grandchildren, Christian and Blake.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Love, Grace, & Mercy Church, 178 Luther Banks Road in Richlands. Burial will follow in the Heath Family Cemetery at 94 Appleton Lane, Richlands, NC 28574.