Gary Ables Heath

Gary A. Heath, age 80, of Live Oak, FL, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022 at his home following a brief illness.  He was born in Rockmark, Georgia moving to Live Oak, FL two years ago from White Springs, FL.  He served in the U.S. Navy for three years and eight days during the Cuban crisis and the beginning of the Vietnam War. He was an aviation structural mechanic third class petty officer.  He was a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for forty-seven years, and pastored several churches in South Georgia and North Central Florida.  He was the Chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections for fifteen years and also for the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Department, White Springs Police Department and was appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida, to the Gilchrist County Medical Board.  He was a Missionary in India, Jamaica and the Bahamas. He had two Bachelor of Arts Degrees, one in divinity and two in theology, a master’s degree and doctorate.  He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service for fifteen years. He loved flying and talking to people about the Lord and sharing the Gospel.

He was predeceased by his parents, James Eugene and Laura Mae Heath; four brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Shirley Heath, Live Oak, FL; one son, Ricky (Stephanie) Heath, Keystone Heights, FL; one daughter, Kelly Waters, Live Oak, FL; three grandchildren, Kary (Lee) Black, Live Oak, FL; Kevin Waters, Philadelphia, PA; Tanek Heath, Keystone, Heights, FL; two Great Granddaughters, Kyler Black and Karis Black.

Visitation was held, Monday, August 15 ^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 16, 2022, in the Frist Baptist Church of Live Oak with Rev. Robert Carter officiating.  Interment followed in the Live Oak Cemetery.

Please keep the Heath family in your prayers today and the days ahead.