Sammy Dean Heaton

Sammy Dean Heaton

Sammy Dean Heaton, a loving father and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025 at the age of 86, following a prolonged illness. He was born on March 23, 1939 in Elizabethton, Tennessee and spent his youth in Roan Mountain. He left for Parris Island after finishing high school, spending three years in the United States Marine Corps. He moved to Greeneville, Tennessee with his wife Mary and their two young children in 1967.

Known for his wit and mischievous personality, as well as a penchant for hard work, Sam touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He had an eagerness to dig into any situation requiring his help. He spent the longest part of his career as a successful real estate agent, initially with Century 21, and later with Parrish Reality. He helped many people settle into Greene County as their new home.

In his free time Sam had been known as an avid golfer. He was quite the athlete, whether horseback riding, swimming, or in snow or water skiing. At one point he trained and showed Tennessee Walkers. He loved animals, even helping an old buddy to "de-stink" a skunk to make it a family pet. He was in his element with a dog at his side and a cat in his lap.

He was devoted for many years to Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church and at one time taught Sunday school to shut ins and nursing home residents. He loved God with all his heart, spending hours daily in his bible.

Sammy, also known as Poppy to his loved ones, also found his greatest joy in his family and lived vicariously through their successes. He was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement.

Sammy is survived by an estranged wife, Ruth Heaton, his daughter, Dr. Carla (Ken) Nickle, and his grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Brown, Alex (Shelby) Brown, Maggie (Josh) Ball, and Dane Nickle, all of Greeneville, as well as Charlie Strange of Gray, Tennessee. He had five great-grandchildren, Michael III and Ruston Brown, Aleistar Ball, Addilay Brown, and Madox Strange. He had one brother, George (Carolyn) Heaton, a nephew, Aaron (Shelley) Heaton, and a great-nephew, Lane Heaton, all of Johnson City, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Thelma Heaton, and a son, Christopher Heaton.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, September 14 from noon to 2:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at Jeffers Funeral Home in Afton, Tennessee. A private family burial will follow on Friday, September 19 at 1 pm in Mountain Home National Cemetery with The Greene County Honor Guard conveying military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the activity fund at Durham Hensley Health Care.

Sammy's legacy of love and integrity will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and the entire staff of Durham Hensley Health Care, particularly Ms. Lynn Fellers.