Hugh O'Neal Heath

Hugh O’Neal Heath of Jonesboro, was born to Ray and Clara Heath on May 9, 1928 in Lake City and passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Andy Heath and Jackie Heath. He married the love of his life Wilma Lee Faulkenbrough May 19, 1945. She passed away April 25, 2000.

Survivors include 4 daughters: Brenda (Harold) Wilcox, Linda (Max) Render, Judy Dobbs, and Terry (Carl) Chambers. 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren: Andrea (Carter) Payne, Chloe’, Eli, Clara Grace and Emmalyn Wood; Chad (Dawn) Render, Mary-Keaton and Stella-Kate; Lance (Michelle) Wilcox, Lauren and Blair; Todd (Lindsey) Wilcox, Heath and Seth;
Joel (Judith) Dobbs, Caroline, Colton and Cash; Elizabeth (Patrick) O’Connor, Abigail and Andrew; Emily (James) Adair, Quinn; Hannah Chambers;

He is also survived by 2 brothers: Billy (Flora) Heath and Bobby (Flo) Heath all of Jonesboro, many nieces, nephews and friends. Hugh and Wilma left a strong legacy of faith, family and hard work to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Having accepted Jesus Christ in August, 1959 at Cottage Home Baptist Church, Hugh came to serve faithfully in many positions including an ordained deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was instrumental in the acquisition of property and the relocation of Cottage Home to its present location on Windover thus becoming Windover Baptist Church. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Nettleton Baptist Church. His legacy of faith has been evidenced by the salvation of his 8 grandchildren and all of the great grandchildren who have reached the age of accountability.

A landowner and farmer, Hugh lived his entire life in the Nettleton area. His love for the land and watching things grow made him strive to be the best farmer he could be. In 1972 he and 5 other partners purchased the Nettleton Cotton Gin and Elevator where he served as president of the company for 10 years. In 1975 the company installed rice drying equipment at the elevator so they could handle and dry green rice. He was a leader in promoting rice production in this area and by adding irrigation for the rice helped the economic conditions in our area by making irrigation available for other crops during dry seasons. Mr. Heath was the last surviving partner in that company. He served on the Craighead County Farm Bureau Board, served on the Nettleton School Board of Education from 1970-75, and as a Drainage Commissioner for District 20 for more than 40 years. He was an avid reader, loved American history, participated in many 5K runs and had a passion for flying. Upon his retirement in 1990, Hugh studied and gained his pilot’s license. He and Wilma loved to travel and enjoyed their RV for 10 years before her death.

Although Hugh had to drop out of school to work on the farm in the early 1940s, he placed great importance on education and saw his 4 daughters earn college degrees. Upon Hannah’s graduation from ASU in 2013, all of his 8 grandchildren will have earned college degrees as well…again, part of the legacy he has left his family. We say “Thank You” Mom and Dad for the sacrifices you made for our opportunities to go to school…and for teaching us that “hard work” is the vehicle for having a productive, happy life.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Robert Heath and Dr. Stan Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday evening, 5-7, at Emerson Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include Lance Wilcox, Todd Wilcox, Heath Wilcox, Chad Render, Joel Dobbs, James Adair and Eli Wood.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the private caregivers who cared for our father in his home and the dedicated CNAs and nurses at Lakeside Nursing Center for the last 13 months. Not only did you all care for our dad, but you gave all of us your kind attention and friendship. Your kind, compassionate care of our father will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be made to Nettleton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2415, Jonesboro, AR 72402, St. Bernards Hospice, 1726 Marie Circle, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or Windover Baptist Church, 311 Windover Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401.