Jacky Dean "Jack" Heath

Jacky Dean Heath, affectionately known as “Jack,” age 84, of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 5, 1941, in Goodlettsville, TN, he was the eldest of four children to the late Walter and Irene Heath. A proud graduate of Goodlettsville High School, Class of 1960, he was a standout on the basketball team and remained a lifelong fan of the sport. After high school, he served in the Air National Guard Reserve before building a successful career in the HVAC industry, eventually founding and operating his own business, Superior Mechanical.

He was the true definition of a patriarch—steadfast, generous, and deeply devoted to his family. He loved fiercely and gave wholeheartedly to those around him. He was a remarkable father to his three children and a treasured grandfather to eight grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Popy.”

He is survived by his son Kevin (Christa) Heath of Huntsville, AL; daughter Celeste (Chris) Richey of Franklin, TN; brother Walter (Sherry) Heath of Franklin, KY; sister Rosalyn (Hank) Abbott of Nashville, TN; brother Tony (Glenda) Heath of Goodlettsville, TN; sister-in-law Karen (Jeff) Rippy of Lebanon, TN; Grandchildren: Gracen (Josh) Sanders, Jackson Clifton, Emma Clifton, Henry Clifton, Macayla (Trey) Woodall, Bradley Heath, Cassie Heath, Collin Heath, Caitlin (Dusty) Jackson, and Christopher (Chrissy) Richey; and great-grandchildren: Annabelle Woodall, Tripp Richey, Livi Richey, and Reese Richey. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Cheryl Heath; his oldest son, Scott Heath; his parents, Walter and Irene Heath; mother-in-law Ruth Roaden; father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Jim and Tina Roaden; and his nephew, Dusty Heath.

Though his absence is deeply felt, his family finds peace in knowing he is no longer in pain and has been reunited with his beloved wife and son.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins at 1:00 p.m. at Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville, TN.

Pallbearers will be Jackson Clifton, Henry Clifton, Bradley Heath, Josh Sanders, Christopher Richey, Trey Woodall, Dusty Jackson, and Daniel Rippy.

Interment will follow on Friday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville, TN.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Alive Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Donations can be made in Jack’s name to Alive Hospice