Ronald Eudon Heath, Sr.

Ronald Eudon Heath, Sr. was born on May 12, 1948, in Marianna, Florida to parents Eldon Eudon Heath, and Jean Spivey Heath. Ron passed away at his residence on Thursday, October 21, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Ron graduated from Clay High School in 1966 and following graduation attended college before enlisting in the U.S. Marines where he served for 4 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam in Aviation. Following his tour of duty with the Marines, Ron returned home, attended the police academy, and became a police officer for the City of Green Cove Springs. While a police officer, Ron married his wife, Sue Heath, and they made the decision for Ron to reenlist in the military, this time as a Flight Engineer on Chinook helicopters in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, Ron attended Emory Riddle University and earned his single engine pilot’s license and enjoyed flying with his Army buddies. Ron also served in the Army National Guard after returning home until 1987. Ron received numerous medals and awards for his service to his country and was a disabled military Veteran. Ron was most proud of being a U.S. Marine and serving his country during wartime. After completing a 4-year tour of duty in the Army, he and his family returned to Green Cove Springs and then he was employed as an aircraft mechanic supervisor with the Department of Defense in Jacksonville, Florida where he retired in 2005 after 32 years’ service. Ron was very proud of his service to his country, as a police officer, and his position with the Department of Defense. Ron loved Green Cove Springs where he, his friends, and family enjoyed many hours at family gatherings, hunting, bass fishing, and riding Harleys. He loved to share fishing stories with his bass fishing brother Reggie. His younger brother Randy inspired him to become interested in car racing and classic cars, resulting in his buying a race car as well as restoring classic cars. He was a proud member of the Clay County Cruzers and enjoyed attending and showing his cars at various car shows in the area. Ron was a man of many interests and loved the comradery with his friends. He was a real jokester and had a zest for life and never met a stranger. He was a proud husband, father, and papa. He was also a loyal FSU fan, supporting his son’s alma mater. Ron is preceded in death by his father, Eldon Eudon Heath, his mother, Jean Spivey Heath Wyman, and his younger brother Randy Heath (Tracey). He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue Daniel Heath, his son, Ronald E. Heath, Jr. (Melanie), his daughter, Kathy D. McLain, his brother Reggie Heath (Gail), and four grandchildren, Erin McLain, Connor McElderry, Deni Sue McLain, and Avery Heath. Ron wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life after his transition to heaven, therefore, his family will have a Celebration of His Life with military honors in the Broadus-Raines Chapel on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 3:00pm. Friends and family are invited to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Green Cove Springs, Florida, for dinner directly after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or other Veteran’s groups.