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William Heath Obituary
WILLIAM "BILLI" GEORGE HEATH
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
William "Billi" George Heath, a musician and engineer passed away at the Kindred Hospital, Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, October 5th. Billi was born in Long Branch, NJ to Audrey Johnson Heath and Ernest Alfred Heath, Sr. Billi was a life-long resident of Monmouth County until his lung transplant surgery required a move closer to the medical facilities in the Philadelphia area. For the last year of his life, he was a resident of Cherry Hill, NJ. Billi attended Middletown High School from 1967 to 1970. After high school he worked at Harmony House Records where he earned a promotion to manager. After the close of Harmony House, he became a Quality Control Technician for Allied International, formerly Bendix, Inc., EAI and more recently at JDS Uniphase through on-the-job training and self-study. In order to continue his advancement in the engineering field, he attended Brookdale Community College in the early 1980's where he earned an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering. His academic proficiency and personality prompted the administration to hire him as a math, science and engineering tutor. Concurrent to achieving success in the field of engineering, for 38 years Billi pursued his passion of Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rock music. Known as "Guitar" Billi, "Harmonica" Billi, and just plain Billi, he was a respected and admired musician, vocalist and songwriter on the Central Jersey Shore music scene. He led and/or was a member of Afro Saxon, Chant, That Band, The Billi and Carl Duo, The Billi and Mike Duo, and Billi, Carl and Kevin. In the past few years, thousands of friends and fans have connected with Billi and his music via Facebook and YouTube.
Billi is survived by his father Ernest; brothers Gregory Ernest, Sr., Bruce Clinton, Alfred Brian, and Clinton Pierson; sisters-in-law Myrna and Julie; nephews Gregory, Jr. and Michael; niece Alaina; and eleven cousins.
Visitation will be held at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank on Sunday, October 10th, 7:00-9:00 PM. There will also be visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday, October 11th, at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 26 Sunset Avenue, East, Red Bank. At 11:00 AM the funeral service will be celebrated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Heath
Sponsored by Alfred B. Heath.
September 23, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Paul D. Makely
109 South 2ND Street, St Clair, Pa 17970
Susan Gant
April 14, 2011
Dear Billi,
I didn't know until today that you did pass away. I only found out becasue I did a search for you on the internet and this article came up. I am sorry I didn't contact you earlier. Very sorry now. Rest in peace and may your spirit fly with the eagles. I know you took a little fine guitar music and a great smile to heaven.
Susan (Kenly, NC)
Tall Corn
March 7, 2011
Seen Billi play in Highlands several times. Didn't know him personally but I can say This man was the REAL DEAL. Tremendous soul and presence.
Jeffrey Brayne
October 22, 2010
Billi paid me the highest compliment I'd ever been paid in telling me once that I was a Lennon in search of a McCartney. I looked forward to every gig where I could hand him my guitar and watch him play, always with amazement. He was one of the kindest and gentlest people I've ever known and will miss him dearly. Goodnight Billi. Say hello to Jimi for us.
Alfred Heath
October 15, 2010
Brother Bill, thank you for the laughter and music you brought into my life. Because of you, fun was a big part of my childhood, and music became my inspiration. I know the jam sessions will be outrageous in heaven! Hug Nanna, both Poppops, Uncle Walter, Mom, Uncle Frank, Joy & Ernest Jr. for me!
Love,
Your brother Al
bobbi
October 15, 2010
So many years of memories come flooding back, always with Billi's beautiful smile....singing at gigs, dancing in the clubs, jamming in the basement.....
Billi, you've been a good friend to my family for such a long time.....
Your fight was long & hard this last year, now it's time to rest easy, dear friend....
Sail on, sail on, Billi......
Sue Brown
October 12, 2010
Sweet man spread your joy in heaven as you did here on earth.You and your family are in my thoughts.
Julie
October 11, 2010
Love the way Bill plays his music with great passion!
Many prayers of support and healing on behalf of the Heath family and friends during this time of grief.
Jennifer Ritter
October 11, 2010
I didn't know Billi, but my father, Rich Whittemore, was a good friend of his and they played in a band together many years ago. I've seen many pictures of them together when they were younger. My dad was very happy to be reconnected with Billi last year just before he passed away last Oct. himself. It's comforting to know they can know play music together again.
Your family is in my prayers.
Jennifer Whittemore Ritter
Bob watson
October 11, 2010
Billi will truly be missed by all who he came in touch with. A life-long friend that I seldom saw, he always presented me with a sense of calm. Your time has come, Billi. Rest in Peace.
bob watson
John Wilton
October 11, 2010
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
- Kahlil Gibran
tom hanson
October 10, 2010
billi was the best that anyone could hope
to be , one of a kind.
Billy Brown
October 10, 2010
From the days we swam in the Atlantic Highlands bay waters, jumping off the old racetrack pier into deep water, Billi
always wanted a challenge, always loved you and the family. Bless you Heath Family. A constant family friend.
Billy Brown
Billy Chapponi
October 10, 2010
You and your music will always be in our hearts. Rock on. The P avenue gang.
Barbara Makely Buli
October 10, 2010
Billi and I were good friends in High School and actually he is the reason that I got on Facebook. Through Gail Laura I found out that he wanted to touch base with me and we had a lovely time writing back and forth. He was a wonderful man...but you all know that. May God bless your family and give you comfort in this time of sorrow. He was a brave man and put up a brave fight. I will miss him...RIP Billi Heath...with love from your friend..Barbara Makely Buli
Roxanne Eckert-Newman
October 9, 2010
My sisters and I all went to school at MTHS and worked with him at Harmony House. We had so many laughs together. Although we Eckert's have all moved away from NJ we were able to connect over Facebook. Billi is an inspiration to all who knew him. God bless your family during this time of sadness.
Dennis De Benedetto
October 9, 2010
My Sympathy to the Heath Family. May you all find comfort knowing that Billi is at peace with our Creator and playing in Heavens All Star Band. Billi will surly be missed by all who touched his path on this Earth. God Bless you Billi.
Melanie (Deutsch) Messina
October 9, 2010
My deepest Sympathy to the Heath family . May beautiful Memories of Billi help you through these sad times. He's leading the band with all the angels and is at peace. Never to be Forgotten!!
Jill McLauglin Allen
October 9, 2010
My condolences to the Heath Family. What a blessing he has been to us all.
Sam Courlas
October 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Billi's Family and Many Friends. I too haven't seen Billi since HS, but I'm so greatfull having reconnected the last few years on FaceBook. Billi, God Speed my friend!!!!!!
Bonnie Young Mulvaney
October 9, 2010
To the Heath family we give our Thoughts and Prayers in the passing of Billi. He truly was a gentle soul. His music was a gift to us all and we are thankful that he shared it with us.
His smiling face will be missed.
Bonnie Young Mulvaney and John Mulvaney
(formerly of Atlantic Highlands, NJ)
Gale Cicchino Brennan
October 9, 2010
My deepest sympathies go out to the Heath family. Billi was truly a shining star, who was a catalyst in reuniting many of his old high school friends via facebook with his words and music. Thank you Billi, I will miss you. God bless.
John Faleski
October 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cecelia Truax/Basilotto
October 9, 2010
He was my friend. I had not seen him for many years,but when I was sick he took the time to wish me well. I wished him well for the last 3 years. We both had surgery in 2009,and he told me I was going to be ok. He told me God was watching over me. I told him the same. I did not get out to see him again because I live in Az and my health did not allow. We chatted on line and prayed for each other. He is my friend and I know he has a band in the heavens,and that God is hugging him now. We will miss you friend.
Cecelia Truax Basilotto
Gail Laura
October 8, 2010
From the first time that we met, Bayshore J.H.S., and hugged as friends I knew he would be in my life forever and he was. I am so sorry to the Heath family for such a loss. He was the shining star of our world and we will miss and love him for the rest of our lives. I am honored and privilged to have had him in mine. I will look for his smile in every sunshine and I will listen for his song wherever I go. God bless you honey and play that music loud enough for us to hear you my dear friend and brother in this life. I will love you forever R.I.P. Baby boy XO Ok no more dancing in the dark... LOL... <3
Robyn Van Ness
October 8, 2010
May God bless the Heath family during this time and always. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share past and present memories with Billi on facebook. He will always have a special place in my heart forever. Robyn Van Ness (Ft. Myers, FL)
Renee' Eckert
October 8, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sandra Dill
October 8, 2010
Bill was a wonderful human being. He touched the lives of so many people. I saw him a couple of years ago and even though he was sick you would never know it. Bill will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I wish I could be at the service, but I live out-of-state now and cannot make it. Peace Brother. Love always Sandy(Layton) Dill
Laura Sanderson
October 8, 2010
Our thoughts are with the Heath family during this very difficult time. I had not seen Billi since high school but had a renewed friendship with him on Facebook. Every email, every IM, every posting I could hear his voice like it was yesterday. Funny how some people can leave such a potent impact on you. I can still hear his voice. Amour toujours, Billi.
William A. Rizzo Jr.
October 8, 2010
Billi, you were hot on that guitar ! We will miss you,all of us will carry the Light you gave us and it will shine for all eternity.
Will Hebler
October 8, 2010
Our deepest condolences to the Heath Family. We all loved Billi and will miss him dearly.
The Hebler Family
John Wilton
October 8, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Seth Murphy
October 8, 2010
You will live on in our hearts and minds! Thanks for your music, your wit and your charm. Gone but never forgotten!
October 8, 2010
TO THE FAMILY YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY WILLIE DAVIS AND FAMILY
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