Willie J. Heath Jr.73 of Schenectady, New York passed from this life Saturday August 11 at Elllis Medical Center. Born in Tarboro, North Carolina he was employed for several years at Electric Boat in Groton. He also worked as a Connecticut State Trooper.
He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ann Perry. The two were married for more than forty- years until her death in 2007. From the union they had two children Willie Heath lll (Billy) and Kevin.
He was a graduate of Waterford High School (Connecticut). He was voted student council Vice President in consecutive years. He played basketball under the late Fran Sweeney. He also was part of Warterford's first ever football team started by legendary coach Bill Mignault. After relocating in Schenectady in the early seventies. He spent time working for Adirondack Beverage Company.
He and his wife Patricia became members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. He was a member for more than forty years. Once a month he would host traveling missionaries. He would prepare Sunday meals and they would sit around the dinner table and discuss life, scriptures and ways to help others in the world.
He started his own lawn and snow-plow business that grew to more than thirty businesses and neighbors. He impacted several youth as a basketball and football coach in many upstate communities.
He developed a love for photography. When not working he usually had his camera with him. He was a descendant of John Boyd and was a regular at all Boyd Family Reunions. Whether in Washington D.C., Maryland or Virginia. Willie would travel annually to spend time with family.
He is survived by a son Billy - a daughter-in law Kathy and three grandchildren Amber, Jeffery and Haley. He is also survived by Brothers Gary Heath of Dallas Texas and Earl Heath of Los Angeles and a also a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Calling hours, Thursday August 23rd, 3pm to 7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals 343 New Karner Rd, his funeral service will be held Friday August 24th at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 52 Blue Barns Rd., Rexford, N.Y. 12148. Interment Memory Gardens.