Gregory Alexander Heath

Grifton - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory Alexander Heath, 30, of Grifton, NC, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Gregory was born on August 10, 1994, to Deborah Jones Delisle. In 1997, when he was three years old, he became the son of Steve Richard Joseph Delisle. The family settled in the Grifton/Ayden area where Gregory spent most of his life. Gregory attended several schools, including Chicod, Hope Middle School, The Greenville Learning Center, DH Conley High School, Hargrave Military Academy, and eventually graduated from Cape Lookout Marine Sciences High School in Morehead City, NC.
Gregory was known for his curly blonde hair, his beautiful blue eyes, and his towering height of 6'2". Despite his size, he was often described as "such a sweet boy." Funny, caring, and compassionate, Gregory had a special place in his heart for the underdog. His love for the outdoors was evident, with hunting, fishing, and travel being among his greatest joys. He loved food and had a particular fondness for Zaxby's. Above all, he cherished his relationship with his mother and admired his "Big" brother Mike. While not the most athletic, Gregory played baseball, football, and basketball, earning a "Sportsmanship Award" in basketball. He would often joke, "I might not be that good, but at least I can support the ones that are." In his later years, Gregory found his passion for music, performing under the name "Harley Capone" on various streaming platforms.
Gregory was a chameleon in many ways, often adjusting his behavior and personality to fit his surroundings. Though this helped him navigate the challenges of childhood, it eventually led him down a difficult path in adulthood. His desire to fit in and his struggle with self-acceptance resulted in a 12-year battle with substance abuse. His twenties were marked by stints in rehab, detox centers, jail, and occasional moments of sobriety. Throughout this time, his family stood by him, sharing in his struggle and offering their unwavering support. He was never alone in his battle and we never stopped loving him.
In November, Gregory celebrated a hard-earned victory, graduating from his last rehab center with a renewed sense of hope for the future. He began working at Precision Walls in Greenville, NC, and found great joy in his new job. He spent Thanksgiving and Christmas clean, sober, and surrounded by the love of family. While we are unsure what ultimately led to Gregory's relapse, we take comfort in knowing he is now at peace, free from the chains that held him back. Addiction is a powerful force, often like a dog chained to a fence-always being pulled back just when escape seems so near. But now, Gregory is free from his struggles and will again get to travel to his favorite places with his parents.
Gregory is survived by his parents, Deborah and Steve Delisle; his brother, Michael Jones, and his partner, Courtney Smith; his nephew, Ethan, and niece, Annie; his grandparents, Alfred and Katherine Jones; his uncle and aunt, Alfred and Connie Jones, with cousins Emily and Olivia; his aunt and uncle, Cindy and Charlie Gordon, and his beloved cousins Wesley, Cailyn, and Karleigh. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Carl and Doris Heath.
Please join us at Smith's Funeral Home in Greenville, NC, on Friday, January 24th, 2025, anytime between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to share words of comfort with the family and reflect on the life of Gregory Alexander Heath.