Ralph Heath

Mr. Ralph Lee Heath of Concord, North Carolina, passed away early Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11 on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at Friendship Southern Baptist Church. His funeral service will immediately follow at 12 o’clock by Rev. Jesse Watkins.

Ralph was born January 25, 1943, in Walstonburg, North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Heath and Gertrude Harrison Heath. He was also preceded in death by his son, David Anthony Heath, and five of his six siblings, Geneva, Mildred, Gerald, John, and James Heath.

Ralph grew up on his family’s farm in Eastern North Carolina. He attended Walstonburg High School where he was the captain of the basketball team. After graduating in 1961, he studied Business Administration at East Carolina University, he then left school and joined the United States Army in 1964. During his time in the Army, Ralph was a Medical Corpsman stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. While on leave back home in North Carolina, he met his loving wife, Brenda, also known as “Pat”, and on February 20, 1965, they were married. In September of the same year while still in Louisiana, they welcomed their first son, David Anthony, into the world. In 1966, Ralph, Brenda, and David moved to Durham, North Carolina where Ralph began his long career in the electrical supply business working for Electric Supply Co. in Raleigh. In July of 1971, they welcomed their second son, William Patrick, into the world. Ralph continued to work for various electrical supply companies in different capacities for the next 55 years until he ultimately retired in 2021.

Ralph loved his work and took much pride in everything he did but he also enjoyed his leisure activities as well. From staying in their camper at Emerald Isle and Lake Gaston to taking family trips to New Orleans, Bermuda, and Acapulco, Ralph loved spending time away from everyday life with his friends and family. He also never met a stranger; he would greet every new face with a smile and firm handshake or hug. Ralph always made people feel welcome and would speak as if he’d known them his whole life. He was larger than life and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Brenda “Pat” Fields Heath; son William Heath of Wilmington, grandchildren Lee and Lillianne Heath of Kannapolis; brother and sister-in law Carroll and Edith Heath of Greenville; Sisters in-law Beatrice and Sarah Heath of Greene County; other extended family members; and his dog Mellie.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Southern Baptist Church, 180 West Ave SW, Concord, NC 28027