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Heath, John Gary

June 20, 1942 –
 August 7, 2018

Obituary

John Gary Heath, age 76, died August 7th at Flower Mound, Texas after a long battle with lymphoma and heart disease. Mr. Heath is survived by his wife, Carol, three children: John Heath, Scott Heath, and Ryan Heath. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Ashley Heath, Jonathan Heath, and Caroline Heath. Mr. Heath is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several accolades including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.  The son of James Heath and Myrtle Lois Heath, he grew up in Texas and Louisiana where he enjoyed baseball, softball, golf, hunting and fishing. Mr. Heath enlisted in the United States Navy in 1960 and served honorably for 20 years.  After retiring, he continued serving his country as a Department of Defense civilian employee and contractor.  He was instrumental in deploying the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), a guidance kit that converts unguided “dumb bombs” into precision munitions that greatly reduce civilian casualties. A viewing for Mr. Heath will be held Aria Funeral Home from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on August 13th at 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas.  He will be interred with full military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 10:15AM on August 14th. Donations are requested in lieu of flowers: Fisher House:  https://www.fisherhouse.org The Association of Navy Ordnancemen:  http://www.aaoweb.org/AAO American Cancer Society:  https://www.cancer.org Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700

    Scott Heath
    8 Aug 2018
    9:50pm

    If you’re lucky enough to have a father like my Dad (John Gary Heath) you know what a loss it is to loose your best friend…mentor and role model all at the same time. No one will ever love his wife, boys, friends and family the exact same way he did. My father loved his family, his country and he always had a real connection with anyone that placed serving others before serving themselves. He was fair, honest, wise, fun, tough when he needed to be and compassionate and caring when he realized tough and stern no longer applied. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide in this life and I’ll always remember the man who served his family, his country and served as an example of what one person can achieve with a little passion…some hard work…and some help from an amazing spouse…in the greatest country in the world. Rest in peace Dad.

    Jim Guthrie
    9 Aug 2018
    9:27am

    Carol, John, Scott, and Ryan
    Yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life. My heart goes out to you for your loss. As you know, Gary was one of my best friends. We were living proof that opposites do attract in a good way. He worked harder than anyone I ever met to support the fleet. His Cajun spirit and quick humor made all the years I worked with him such a pleasure. Our beer calls, dinner out with wives, and great fishing adventures were just the best. My good buddy may you have fair sky’s and a following sea on your way to heaven.
    Jim Guthrie

    Sarah S. Laos
    9 Aug 2018
    10:14am

    Carol,
    I am so sorry to here of your husband John’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

    Sarah Laos

    Gay Bourg
    9 Aug 2018
    10:49am

    So sorry for your loss Carol and family. God’s peace be with you.

    Dennis Carmody
    9 Aug 2018
    12:35pm

    I first met John in 1978 when he checked into VF-201 NAS Dallas. He became my mentor. We became good friends and followed each other after our Navy careers. He was a good man and husband and father. I haven’t seen John for many years but I will miss him knowing he is not there. RIP, John. You did a good job. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

    Mike Bray
    9 Aug 2018
    3:50pm

    I met Gary when he and Carol moved to Spring Branch. We built his extension onto his famous patio bar. Then got to spend several memorable times there enjoying Gary and his infectious laugh over a “cold one”. What a great person and a True American Hero! The world is minus ONE GREAT MAN -RIP-Semper Fi My Good Friend-GOD LOVE YOU CAROL-WE LOVE YOU-Mike & Jenny Bray

    Tracie (Flanary) Pendolino
    9 Aug 2018
    7:44pm

    We first met the Heath’s in New Orleans while my Dad (Virgle Flanary) was stationed there with the US Navy. We became instant friends! Gary and my father were fishing buddies and our families spent quite a bit of time together. Both our families ended up in Texas together and we only lived a few blocks from each other in Grand Prairie. Their boys called my sister and I “the lite brite” girls because that was our favorite game to play together. Gary was a very laid back and gentle man and I will always cherish those special memories of fishing, crabbing and just hanging out with Gary and his wonderful family. God truly blessed us with such wonderful friends. My heart is heavy but it gives me peace to know that Gary is in no pain and is whole again in the Lord’s arms. Gary and Virgle have probably already hit all the best fishing holes in heaven. Rest in peace my dear friend and we all shall meet again one glorious day! My thought and prayers are with Carol, John, Scotty and Ryan. Much love to all of you. “The lite brite girl” Tracie (Flanary) Pendolino

    Suzy Buford
    9 Aug 2018
    8:47pm

    Dear Carol & Bots,
    I’m so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing, in one sense, our family gets smaller and smaller, on the other hand it keeps growing as our children grow up and have their own families. Ive not been able to see any of you since you move from the San Antonio area, but all we shared will never go away. We will always be family. Love Ya All Suzy

    Floyd Johnson
    10 Aug 2018
    8:03am

    Gary and I both worked the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) program from the early days through full-rate production. We both finally retired (again) and moved to Texas near each other. Gary was always a joy to be around whether fishing, having dinner with our wives, or just having a beer, A great friend and a great loss. Lois and I send love and condolences to Carol and the family. May God strengthen you.

    Linda Crisp
    10 Aug 2018
    8:27am

    Dear Carol, John, Scott, Ryan and families,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad that Joe and I were able to visit with Cousin Hary and Carol just a couple of weeks ago. Gary’s mom (my dad’s only sister) was so special to me and so too were my cousins John Gary and his brother Weldon Francis. I love seeing the tributes to J. Gary here. Carol, you and Gary raised 3 wonderful boys and I know you are blessed beyond measure by their families. All our love, Linda, Joe, Lisa, and Melanie (Dalton and Everett).

    James Broussard
    10 Aug 2018
    6:19pm

    Dear Aunt Carol and Family,
    My prayers and condolences are with you all at this difficult time. Uncle Gary will be greatly missed and I will never forget this wonderful man and his examples of faith, honor, courage, and respect. May Angels of Comfort and Mercy Protect Your Family and keep them Safe. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Uncle Gary.
    -James Broussard

    Glenn A Riley
    11 Aug 2018
    11:15am

    Thoughts and Prayers with ya Carol and Boys. Very special family to us Rileys. May he rest in peace.

    Glenn & Man Shil

    Glenn A Riley
    11 Aug 2018
    11:15am

    Thoughts and Prayers with ya Carol and Boys. Very special family to us Rileys. May he rest in peace.

    Glenn & Man Shil

    Dennis Curley
    11 Aug 2018
    12:10pm

    Carol, John, Scott and Ryan
    I am sincerely sorry for your loss and hope you can find peace in the love and wonderful memories he left. I first met Gary at Eglin, AFB through our common buddies, Don Carbonneau and Glenn Riley. Our common work environment, shared Bluewater Navy days and our love of fishing soon bonded our friendship. Gary, a pure “Cajun” had more nicknames bestowed on him by his buddies than anyone I’ Ever known, but to me he was “Friend”. Over the years the four of us would always reserve a week for a fishing adventure. These adventure took us to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Not that we caught more fish each time, but the tales sure grew!!
    My “Friend” your on a new adventure now and we can’t be with you but I wish you calm seas and the wind to your back. John Gary you were a “Good Man”.

    Ken Claunch
    11 Aug 2018
    7:17pm

    We have wonderful memories of Gary having worked with him at China Lake. Ken enjoyed the friendship they had and the times they spent together playing golf. We are missing him along with you. Our deepest sympathy. Ken and Leanna Claunch

    Monica Caddell
    13 Aug 2018
    2:05pm

    I am heartbroken over your loss. I pray you all find peace and comfort during this difficult time. God bless.

    John Belfrey
    13 Aug 2018
    2:16pm

    You and your family are in my prayers. Sorry to hear of your loss.

    Dorothy Abney
    13 Aug 2018
    8:53pm

    Sending my deepest condolences to the Heath family. May The peace that comes from memories of love and laughter be of comfort to you and your family now and the days ahead.

    bel
    16 Aug 2018
    9:56am

    Sending my condolences to the family. May God’s promises found at Acts 24:15 and Psalms 37:29 bring you comfort during this difficult time.

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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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