Obituary For Ray Heath

Mr. Ray Heath of LaFayette, Alabama passed away at the Bethany House Hospice on May 17, 2021.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family on June 5, 2021 at the family home from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.

Ray, the son of Luther Zachry Heath and Lillian Irene Cox Heath was born July 31, 1936 in Fredonia, Alabama. Ray graduated from LaFayette High School, where he excelled on the gridiron earning the status of All-State offensively as a guard and defensively as a nose guard. He developed lifelong bonds with his teammates and earned a reputation as a leader both on the field and in the classroom. He went on to serve his country during the Korean conflict in the US Army. Upon returning to the United States, he attended Jacksonville State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education. Later he completed his formal education at Auburn University earning a Master's Degree in Education Administration.

Upon moving to Atlanta, Georgia he served as a teacher and later as the Principal of two elementary schools influencing the importance of education for thousands of students. After retiring from education in 1987, he moved back to his home town of LaFayette and continued to serve his community with the Chambers County Sheriff's Department. Continuing his lifelong tradition of leadership and education. Mr. Heath was also the Head Coach of several Dixie Youth Baseball Teams in LaFayette where he instilled the importance of hard work, teamwork, and accountability for hundreds of area youths.

Ray was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife JoAnn Burton Heath, Brothers Charles, Lewis, Harry, Jim, Oscar, and Sister Martha.

He is survived by his Brother Luther, Jr., Sons Jeffery Burton Heath, Sr. (Anita) of Columbus, Mississippi, and Stanley Craig Heath of LaFayette, Alabama, Grandsons Dr. James Craig Heath of Alabama and Jeffery Heath, Jr., of Ohio, Granddaughter Erin Heath of Virginia And Great Granddaughter Zoey Jane.

Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, Al.

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