Ronald Wayne Heath

Ronald Wayne Heath, 74, passed away peacefully in the early hours of January 23, 2025 at his home in Hoschton, Georgia, after a long battle with cancer. He spent his last days in the same way he lived, surrounded by what was most important in his life, his wife of 55 years, Gail, and his family.

Ron was born in Utica, NY and grew up in nearby Cleveland, NY where he remained until relocating to Northeast Georgia in 1996 after embracing a job opportunity with Allis Chalmers. He previously served our country in the Army in the Panama Canal from September 1969-September 1972.

As a testament to the strength of his family bonds, he and Gail were followed to Georgia by his mother, Frances Lockerby, and the families of his three children. After 20 years of advancing his career at Allis Chalmers, he decided to make a career change to work alongside his son Ron, daughter Kim, and daughter-in-law Wendy at R. A. Heath Construction and proudly declared the company ‘family owned and operated’. He developed and managed the service division and accepted the role of Vice President. Those who worked closely with him were sad to see him retire after 18 years of service as they considered him not only a great boss and mentor, but someone who earned their friendship.

Retirement afforded Ron more time to do the things he really enjoyed. He was an avid golfer, loved Monday night bowling, taking road trips with Gail, and delighted in time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Frances (David) Lockerby, father Floyd, and brother Floyd. He is survived by wife Gail, brother Bruce, daughter Kristie (Rich) Lacell, daughter Kim (Kevin) Zoeller, and son Ron (Wendy). He leaves behind his ‘baseball team’ of 8 grandchildren: Shelby (Jon), Kimber, Richie (Brooke), Casey (Adam), Abbie, Chloe, Gabrielle, and Ashley; and 7 great grandchildren: Brynlee, Jay, Wyatt, Anthony, RJ, Benny, and Miles.

Each child, grandchild, and great grandchild that came into the family immediately won his heart and he theirs. Anyone that was loved by him, KNEW they were loved by him.

The family would like to thank Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice for their excellent care, quick response, and support of the family as we navigated the journey home of our beloved Ron.

A celebration of life will be held at Evans Funeral Home 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, GA on Sunday Jan. 26, 2025 beginning with a visitation at 2:30 and service at 4:00 PM.

In-lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnel to Towers or Wounded Warriors.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. PSALM 23:1-6