Joel Ronald "Ronnie" Heath, age 67, of Eutaw AL passed away August 30, 2022 at his home with his family. Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Beulah Baptist Church in Eutaw, AL with Bro. Kevin Stewart of Common Ground Church of Eutaw and Bro. Rodney Sanders officiating, with music by Mona Sanders and David Skelton.   Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be 6-8pm Friday, September 2, 2022 at Dogwood Chapel, 200 5th Street NE in Aliceville, AL.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Velma Pearce and Joel M. and Maggie Jane Heath.
Ronnie was born October 4th, 1954 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late Joel B. and Jewel Pearce Heath. He was a lifelong resident of Greene County, AL, except for 5 amazing years in Burnsville, NC.
Well-rooted in his faith in Our Mighty God, his dedication to church, love for his family, and commitment to work and play was textbook "Ronnie". He was baptized in 1974 in the icy, natural spring baptistry of Beulah Baptist Church where he currently served as deacon. Ronnie was previously a deacon at Eutaw Baptist Church and was a founding member of Common Ground Church of Eutaw.
Family, for Ronnie, was second only to his Savior. On a cool, fall youth trip, his simple question of, "Is this seat taken?", lead to 45 years together with his wife, Joyleeta. They were blessed with two adored children, Halee Jessilyn Heath Vogt (Mark), and Barnes Joel Heath (Elizabeth) who in turn, blessed them with four incredible grandbabies: Pearce Vogt, Evie Vogt, Calder Heath, and Lottie Bee Heath.  He was also survived by his sister, Karen Findley and husband, Tony.
Graduating from Warrior Academy in 1973, he earned his associates degree from Gulf State Community College in Panama City, FL, he attended Livingston University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. Over the years, with stints in insurance and banking, Ronnie went on to establish a career in manufacturing, retiring from United Roofing after 26 years. Ronnie worked tirelessly in support of Warrior Academy too. He often reminisced, play by play, with former teammates in football, basketball, and baseball. One of his greatest joys was watching his kids play ball as Warrior Academy Braves, and later helping Halee lead the next generation of Braves as principal and supporting Barnes as he helped coach its next generation of athletes. He served as board member at Warrior until its closure. Seeing his grandchildren play sports and perform was also a source of endless entertainment for "Pops". The beach was a favorite place for him to relax and unwind and search for seashells. An avid University of Alabama fan, his favorite seat was his recliner, with him cheering or fussing from the living room.
Representing important areas of Ronnie's life will be his pallbearers: Bennie Abrams, Harold Clayton, Hubert Pearce, Mark Odom, Dean Franklin, and Ernie Halper.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Beulah Baptist Church, c/o Jane Sellers, 10743 County Road 191, Eutaw, AL 35462.