Richard Gates Heath

Retired Master Sargent Richard G. Heath, known affectionately by his comrades as "Wildman" and his hunting buddies as "Hawk Eye", passed away peacefully at his home in Goose Creek, South Carolina on Thursday evening, March 26, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on November 13, 1947, in Anchorage, AK, Richard was the son of the late Doris Broughton Heath and Gladden Heath.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn Heath; daughters: Wendy Heath, Regan Heath, Rileigh Heath, Renee Heath, and Richelle Abernathy; great-granddaughter, Thea Rodrigez; brother, Justin Heath; sister, Linda; nephews: Hans, Max, and Eric; and nieces: Heather and Kimberly.

A decorated 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran, Richard dedicated 22 years to the United States Air Force. His distinguished career began with a decade in aircraft maintenance, where he expertly serviced F-4s, as a crew chief during tours in Vietnam and Thailand. His last assignment he maintained Gen. Chuck Yeager's aircraft. He also serviced all of the aircrafts as Head of Transit Alert at Seymour. He spent his final 12 years as a Flight Engineer on C-130s, participating in several rotations through England and Germany. A true patriot, Richard flew the lead aircraft during the Invasion of Grenada, successfully air-dropping a Navy SEAL team and their watercraft into the Atlantic. His skill was further proven during high-stakes Red Flag training missions, navigating mountainous terrain at low levels to perform dangerous LAPES drops of heavy armored vehicles.

Following his military retirement, Richard continued his life in the skies, flying cargo for Southern Air Transport and passengers for Tower Air in both C-130s and Boeing 747s. His career took him to 130 countries, and he knew how to order a beer in nearly every language he encountered. Richard also held high-level positions in Freemasonry, specifically as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.

In his younger years, Richard was also a disciplined Judo instructor and held a Black Belt. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who found peace in fishing, hunting, and mastering the art of reloading. As an expert marksman, he dominated shooting tournaments with the same precision he applied to every aspect of his life.

Above all his accolades, Richard was the ultimate family man. His "girls" were his world, and his greatest mission in life was to provide for and protect them - a mission he fulfilled completely. He was a man of his word; if he said he would do it, it was done. He took everyone in as his own, ensuring no one ever went without.

Richard's life was anchored by his deep faith. A devoted member of Deer Park Baptist Church for over 20 years, he sang in the choir and relished in-depth conversations about the Bible. He never missed an opportunity to share the Word or ask, with genuine care, if someone was a born-again Christian. His life was a reflection of his favorite scripture, Psalm 91. Richard would want to leave you with one final, vital question: "Do you know my Jesus as your Savior?"

To Our Daddy:

You were the best grandfather and daddy I could ever receive; you were such a blessing to everyone; you mean so much to myself and Thea. You will forever live through us. -Regan

My guy, my best friend, knew this day was coming, but not so soon. We did everything together. If they saw me, they saw you. You gave me such an adventurous, loving childhood and opportunity. I'm going to miss how many times a day you'd tell me how proud you are of me; that was always my main goal, "make daddy proud," I always say. Always hollering my name, telling me all of your stories, random lake days, four-wheeler rides, yard work, fixing guns. I can't believe you're gone, you were invincible to me, my best friend you took my heart with you, you know I am going to take care of things; that was my promise to you. My guy forever, I love you. -Rileigh

My daddy was an amazing talkative person, he loved everyone, the best person I will ever know. I know he's in a better place, but it's going to be so hard without our daddy. He made sure I got anything I needed and wanted. When I felt down, he'd always know how to fix it. He was our protector; the glue to the family. I love you daddy. -Renee

Daddy, you were the best, these next few years are going to be unbearable, even though you're gone physically doesn't mean you're not with me when the times get rough. I thank you for your protection and loving us the way you did. I love you. - Richelle

A graveside service will be announced soon. The burial will be held at Our Christian Heritage Church Cemetery in Walkertown, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and National Headquarters: 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAliser-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.