Wilson Clarence Heath

Mr. Wilson Clarence (WC) Heath, 93, of Marietta, GA, entered into Heaven on March 2, 2015. Arrangements are being handled by Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, GA. The visitation will be Thursday, March 5th, 6:00-8:00pm. The funeral will be Friday, March 6th at 11:00am in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Marietta. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Lowe, Austin Lowe, Daniel Lowe, Drew Anderson, Brent Anderson, Isaac Rollor, Matthew Rollor, Garrett Guinan, David Heath, and Caleb Heath. Mr. Heath was born on his parents' farm in Whitesburg, GA, a son of the late Joseph Stephen and Elizabeth Rebecca Heath. He has resided in Cobb County most of his adult life and was a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. Although orphaned at a young age, Clarence and his nine siblings were able to remain together, and with the help of their grandparents, aunts and uncles, continued to live, farm and attend school through the Great Depression. Clarence went to West Georgia College on the NYA program after high school graduation in 1942. After joining the Navy in February of 1945 and completing training as an Electricians Mate, he was assigned overseas to a Naval Ammunition Depot in the Philippine Islands and became Camp Maintenance Supervisor. After returning to the US and graduating from UGA as an Agricultural Engineer, he attended Public Health School. His career progressed with the Cobb County Health Department where he eventually became the head of the county’s Department of Environmental Health. His influence and dedication to the positive development of Cobb County were shared with other of his contemporaries who were instrumental in the County’s development and planning, such as well-known figures Herbert McCollum and Ernest Barrett. Clarence was also instrumental in helping to pass State legislation to create a Board to govern principles of environmental sanitation. After moving to Cobb for his job with the Cobb County Health Department in the early 1950's, he met and married his wife of over 60 years, Jewell Reece Heath. Together they raised and are survived by five children: Dianne (Randy) Lowe, Karen (Larry) Anderson, Janet (Lovis) Rollor, Carol (Mike) Guinan and Andrew (Shannon) Heath. After retiring from Cobb County, WC devoted himself to his family and was known for his involvement in the lives of his grandchildren. Clarence loved the outdoors and enjoyed hosting camping and traveling excursions with his family. Even into his early Nineties, when camping or traveling was mentioned, his response was “When are we going?” Jewell and W.C., both raised on farms, were known to be excellent and productive gardeners and many summer days were spent canning and preserving all manner of fruits and vegetables. WC's Godly character, selfless frugality, open generosity and loving heart were a testimony to those who knew him. There was never a need among his loved ones that he would not attempt to fulfill to the best of his ability. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22) Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Jewell Reece Heath, two brothers and six sisters. He is survived by five children, sixteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one sister, Margie (Heath) Bates Coulon; sister-in-law, Dolph Heath; brother-in-law, Dumas Vines; and many nieces and nephews and other extended family. He invested his life into his extended family and will be missed by all who knew him. Flowers are appreciated; however, contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Heath to Calvary Children’s Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Wilson Clarence Heath

December 31, 1921 - March 2, 2015