Jerry Pat Heath
Feb. 14, 1940 ~ Mar. 19, 2022

Jerry was born to Howard and Reva (Ganus) Heath on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1940, in Valley Mills, Texas. Growing up in a small town, Jerry created fond memories that he would cherish forever including a Christian home, a lifetime of friends, hunting, fishing, and the freedom of country life.

Jerry graduated from Valley Mills High School in 1958, then attend Abilene Christian College followed by University of North Texas. He married Verna Faye McFadden on September 8th, 1962, and was blessed with two sons Chad and Denver.

During the early years of marriage, he was self-employed, worked as a real estate agent, raised cattle and managed multiple restaurants/retail. He was very involved in community and church activities and in 1980, after being ordained as a Deacon and licensed pastor by the First Baptist Church of Valley Mills, Jerry made a commitment to teach God's word. After attending Southwestern Seminary, he served as pastor of Searsville Baptist Church for 6 years. During this time, he also attended The University of Mary Hardin Baylor, where he received a BBA as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Education. In 1986 Jerry began teaching the 6th grade at Meridian ISD. In 1992 he transferred to Valley Mills ISD where he would teach 4th grade until his retirement in 2003. Jerry retired at the age of 52 and was blessed to spend the next 20 years on the golf course. He also enjoyed fellowship and reminiscing the past with old friends at the coffee shop.

It was obvious to anyone who knew Jerry how much he loved the Lord, his family, and his trips to the golf course. Due to his health, he left his hometown in 2016 under the care of his loving family. In later years he would spend hours reading his Bible, listening to the Gaither Homecoming Gospel music, and sharing scriptures with his children and grandchildren. Known as "Papa" he felt truly blessed to be a part of their lives. He enjoyed attending ball games, watching movies and going to their parties. It was also important teaching them devotion, honor, and respect.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Bobby and Gordon Heath, sister Sherry Heath, brother-in-laws Rufus Nutt and Bill O'Banion, sister-in-law Jo-Ann Heath, two nephews Kenneth Shae and Rhae Paul Nutt, and a great-great nephew Liam Slover.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years Faye, two sons Chad Heath and wife Stacy of Waco and Denver Heath and wife Tracy of Forney, grandchildren Tyler Vassar of New Braunfels, McKenna Heath of Ft. Worth, Logan Heath and wife Hailey of Tyler, sister Barbara O'Banion of Waco, sister-in-law Carole Heath of McKinney, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Extended families that made a difference in Jerry's life include: The Hillin Family for blessing him with his Godchild Chris Hillin, The Bill Parmer Family for their guidance in ministry, The John Gilliam Family for their devoted Christian friendship, The Jack Nichols Family who taught him strength and the importance of family, and The Josie Sodich Family taught him loyalty and gave him a lifetime of shared memories.

Churches of Worship that were important in Jerry's life included the Church of Christ which laid the foundation of his faith, the First Baptist Church where he received in-depth study of Bible History, Searsville Baptist Church where he taught and preached God's word and Oak Grove Baptist Church for it's inspiration of believers.

Jerry Heath Memorial Video

Memorial services for Jerry Heath will be held 2 P.M. Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Searsville Country Church with Rev. Gaylon Turner officiating. A reception will be held following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Jerry Heath Scholarship Fund, Valley Mills ISD or the Valley Mills Cemetery Association.

You may sign the online register book at www.fossfuneralhome.com