Henry David Heath

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the family

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our husband, dad and Pops/Poppy, Henry David Heath on February, 15, 2026, at the age of 77 (or as David would tell us, 39). David was born on May 7, 1948, in Anniston, Alabama and lived his adult life in Snellville, Georgia. He lived a life marked by unconditional devotion to his family. He was also a cherished Pops/Poppy to two of his most beloved grandchildren, Noah and Sarah.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Debbie Heath, his beautiful daughters, Katrina Heath and Susann Heath Shriver (Kristian); his two grandchildren, the joy of his life, Noah Shriver and Sarah Beth Shriver; his Frenchie, Lila; his sisters, Jimmie Senensky (Jay), Linda Gregory (Doug), Martha Okerberg (Paul), Kristi Wilkinson, Kim Wilkinson, and Karen Richardson (Victor); his brothers, Leon Covington (Janice), Larry Covington (Debby), Danny Covington (Teresa), and Linley Covington; his wife's family, Barry Fondren (Louise), Pete Morrison (Boots), and Stanley Fondren (Dedra). He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Leslie; his beloved grandparents Lewis David and Effie Singleton; his parents, Lillian Singleton Heath Covington and James S. Heath, his step-father LC Covington, his brother Aubrey Covington, his sister Donna Kay Covington Elmhorst; his wife's family, Earl Fondren, Ralph and Judy Morrison, Robert Fondren, Jane and David Courington, and Donette Morrison Odum.

David spent 34 years working for Art Plumbing beginning as a Project Manager and retiring as Vice President. Following a brief period of retirement, he worked the last 7 years as an Estimator and Project Manager for Rawlins Mechanical. He was known for his work ethic, kindness, and commitment to others.

One of his most cherished roles was that of "Pops/Poppy" to his two grandchildren, Noah and Sarah. We must remember his love for sharing every event in his grandchildren's life; baseball, football, wrestling, soccer, cross country, swim, chorus, drama plays, cheer, baton, gymnastics, softball, and award banquets. He tried his hardest to not miss a single part of their lives. He enriched their lives with teaching them how to drive, fish, and trap shoot. Despite his best efforts, he was never able to convert them to be devoted to his Alabama Crimson Tide "Roll Tide". (For his daughter and grandchildren, he was a Georgia fan when they didn't play Alabama). He enjoyed the countless vacations to Disney and the beach as he watched them grow into the young adults of today.

Outside of family life, David could be found on the golf course. He used his love of golf to give back to others, playing in many tournaments that benefited the local hospitals he spent his career working on; especially Children's Healthcare of Atlanta-Egleston. David's relationship with CHOA went beyond work for he truly felt that Egleston was the reason his daughter Katrina, grandson Noah and granddaughter Sarah Beth were able to be such a large part of his life, as they were patients in their childhood.

Following his Pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2014, he felt that God had given him the gift of survival. In return, he devoted his time to building his relationship with Christ becoming involved in St. Oliver Catholic Church as an altar server and RCIA sponsor. Sharing his journey to Christ brought him peace and joy as a disciple of God.

After being diagnosed with Grade 4 glioblastoma cancer in August 2025, David fought with unwavering courage and grace. David touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. His selflessness, warmth, and wit will be remembered forever. He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all of us who knew him.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Resurrection at St Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Glioblastoma Foundation at glioblastomafoundation.org or donate to a foundation of a cancer that has touched your family.