Reggie L. Heath, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 11, 1953.

Reggie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued family above all else. He is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 53 years, Gail Boutet Heath; his son, Ryan Eldon E. Heath (Wendi Knight); his beloved granddaughter, Ella Knight Heath, and mother-in-law Lois Sheehan. He is also survived by his nephews Ron Heath, (Aya and Avery Heath), Austin Heath, (Tracey Heath), Michael Perkel, and Uncle Steve and Aunt Donna McIntyre, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon E. Heath and Mella Jean Spivey Heath, his older brother Ronald E. Heath (Sue Daniel Heath), and his younger brother Randy G. Heath (Tracey Heath).

Clay County mourns his passing as he was a lifelong resident and respected carpentry teacher who dedicated his career to shaping the lives of both students and those in the community. Reggie taught high school carpentry at Orange Park High School, Keystone Heights High School, and Clay High School, the same school from which he proudly graduated in 1971. Reggie’s craftsmanship can still be seen in several structures throughout the county, standing as lasting reminders of his skill and dedication to his trade. He took great pride in his work and in the work of his students, and he loved to showcase and brag about their accomplishments. Reggie was also a well-known prankster, a trait cherished by all who knew him. Teachers and students alike never quite knew what to expect from him.

In Reggie’s younger life surfing was his passion, but as he grew older, he discovered fishing and became an avid fisherman and began to spend countless mornings at Wright’s Dairy, known locally as “The Pond “or out along the St. Johns River. He was a proud member of the Clay Bass Fishing Anglers Club and won several bass tournaments over the years. When Reggie wasn’t fishing, he was hosting his fishing buddies every week in his mancave called “Heath Creek Garage” where his buddies shared the best fish tales they could contrive. These were special moments for Reggie, moments he cherished and shared with his friends and family.

Reggie also served the community as a Little League baseball coach and was a devoted Las Vegas Raiders football fan, faithfully cheering them on every Sunday and whenever they played. When not fishing, Reggie could be found helping the elderly by building handicap ramps or engaging his students in assisting with building homes for Habitat for Humanities.

Reggie will be remembered for his kindness, craftsmanship, love of the outdoors, love of his town, and the steady, generous spirit he shared with everyone he met. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service honoring Reggie’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive visitors beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Broadus‑Raines Chapel.

Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Reggie’s life and share with everyone their special memories of Reggie.

A reception will be held after the memorial at the VIA (17 Palmetto Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043).

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund in the name of Reggie Heath and Ed Taylor will be set up to support students in the carpentry program. Details will be forthcoming.