Henry E. Heath, the jokester and famous story teller, passed away on May 9, 2020 at the age of 77 in Orange Park, FL. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He spent his last few days on earth as he spent his life, making people laugh and telling stories that we still have no idea if they are true or not. However, with all his jokes and stories, there is a truth that cannot be denied, he was one hell of a husband, father, brother, and friend.
He had a way about him that made people gravitate towards him. With his captivating smile and humorous approach to life, he was liked by everyone that met him and loved by everyone that knew him. He lived a hard life, but was never hardened by it. He just had a way of letting you know that he cared and loved you, too. No one more than his wife, Brenda. He was her protector, confidant, and best friend. They spent 41 years on a crazy roller coaster ride filled occasionally with hardships, sometimes with heartache, usually with laughter, and always with love. They are the true definition of soul mates.
As a father, well you just couldn’t ask for a better dad. At times he was a disciplinarian and, at others, he was putty in your hands. But, at some point in all of his children’s lives, he became a best friend to all of them. He would have your back, dry your tears, make you laugh, help you pick up the pieces, and hold you close enough to keep you from falling all the way apart. He was the kind of dad that every man should strive to be.
When he spoke of his childhood, he spoke fondly of his time at the Boys’ Home. Growing up there, he was not only a brother to his siblings, but to those who needed someone to look up to. He was described as the “ringleader” on many of the escapades at the Boys’ Home and always kept life interesting.
To his friends, he was just that, a friend. You didn’t need to talk to him every day to know that he would be there for you. Ronnie Edlin said “Everybody who met Henry liked him, because he genuinely liked you back!” Those words rang true throughout Henry’s entire life.
He never became rich, he never wanted to. He never had the coolest car, or the biggest house. Material things were just not his style. He achieved the ultimate pillar of success, however. He was genuinely loved by everyone that knew him. He, himself, was a treasure to behold. He will be remembered for his love, honesty, and amazing sense of humor. Even the day prior to his death, there was not a dry eye in the room. Not from sadness, but from laughter, as he told his last few jokes. He left us how he lived, he made us smile.
We will be celebrating his life with a memorial service to be held at Fraser Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 4pm to 4:45pm for anyone that would like to pay their respects and from 4:45pm to 5:30pm for immediate family, due to COVID-19 restrictions. For Visitation Details Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, Fl 32221
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Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
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