CMSGT (Retired) David C. Heath, age 88, of Euharlee, GA, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, surrounded by love and faith.
Born August 15, 1938, in Fair Haven, Vermont, alongside his twin sister, David grew up deeply rooted in his Green Mountain heritage, always guided by the principles of God, family, and country.
His entrepreneurial spirit shone early when he established the first Rutland Herald paper route in Fair Haven, setting a high standard for excellence that defined his life.
David cherished simple pleasures, including gardening and taking walks with his beloved wife, and was always devoted to his family as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Enlisting in the United States Air Force on October 23, 1956, David served with distinction until his retirement on November 1, 1982.
He rose to the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant, and his career took him to many states—Texas, Colorado, Washington, DC, Savannah, Jacksonville, Montgomery, Dover, and Warner Robins—as well as overseas assignments in France, Southeast Asia, and Panama Canal Zone.
His exemplary service was recognized with honors including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals with devices, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Humanitarian Service Medal. He graduated with distinction from both the NCO and Senior NCO Academies.
After retiring from active duty, David continued to serve as an Air Force civilian Information Management Supervisor for another 20 years, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to the military community.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert G. Heath Sr. and Louise J. (Hughes) Heath; brothers, Robert George Heath Jr. and Bernard Francis Heath; and sisters, Beverly Marion (Heath) Kowalewski, Phyllis Ann Heath, and Jean Lorrain (Heath) Dunham.
He is survived by his twin sister, Dorothy “Dottie” (Heath) Briere, Joyce Mae (Heath) Barsalow, and Betty Lou (Heath) Holley. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Ann (Rutland) Heath, who was his companion for 63 years after their marriage on February 23, 1963. Also surviving, are his son Paul David Heath of Eatonton, GA; daughter Julie Lynn (Heath) Simmons of Kathleen, GA; son Michael Edward Heath of Warner Robins, GA; grandchildren Mary Christine Heath, Jessica Lynn Simmons, Jason Scott Simmons and his wife Michaela Marie Simmons, Jennifer Lenora Heath; and great-grandchildren Catalina Raegyn Simmons, Kaedyn Bodhi Simmons, Elijah David Simmons, Lydia Iris Simmons, Neveah Destiny Heath, Marquis DeMario King Jr., and Lyrica Dream King.
The family received friends on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.
A graveside service was held at 11:30 a.m., at Dublin Memorial Gardens with Rev. Matt Rutland officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin, GA, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.townsendfuneralhome. com for service updates and to sign the online memorial register.