Dr. Robert Charles Heath

October 17, 1930 – July 25, 2021

Robert "Bob" Charles Heath, 90, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2021, at home.

He was born on October 17, 1930, in West Palm Beach, FL, to Lucy Chase Heath and Charles Raymond Heath of Lake Worth, FL.  Known as Bobby while attending Lake Worth High School, he drove for his father's Heath Taxi Co., played on the football team, was a lifeguard, and was a state-ranked swimmer (for butterfly and backstroke).  Bob attended Rollins College for his bachelor's degree in General Human Relations, where he was a "neighbor" (also classmate and friend) to Fred Rogers.  At Rollins College, Bob was a member and officer of Alpha Phi Lambda, a Varsity Cheerleader, and a Fire Diver (stunt diving through hoops that were set on fire).  He was drafted after his first year of teaching and coaching at Lake Worth High School, and then served his country in the U.S. Army, during the Korean War (stationed in Germany).  After his active-duty service, he received a master's from Florida State University (FSU), and then taught at Seacrest High School, Delray Beach, FL and Heidelberg High School, Germany, before moving to Ithaca, NY.  In 1972, he earned his Ed.D. from Cornell University.  It was in Ithaca where Bob met and fell in love with Kathy while both were teaching at Boynton Junior High School.  They were married in 1963 at Anabel Taylor Hall.

Bob spent his career as a devoted educator.  After retiring from the Ithaca City School District, Bob and Kathy moved to Ormond Beach and he continued teaching at New Smyrna High School, Daytona Community College, and the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

He was an advocate of veterans' and teachers' rights through his active participation and leadership roles in a number of organizations, including Veteran's Caucus, American Legion (Post 221, Ithaca), VFW (Post 1590, Daytona Beach), National Education Association (NEA), Volusia Educators Association (VEA), Florida Education Association (FEA) State Legislator, Retired Teachers associations, and German-American Society.   As a veteran, he was honored to have the privilege to go to Arlington National Cemetery to place the wreath on The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.   Throughout his 18-year battle with Parkinson's, he enjoyed participating in dance and exercise classes offered through the Parkinson Association of Greater Daytona Beach and the Ormond Beach YMCA.   Bob served as a Deacon and Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, and had been a member of (Lighthouse) Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach for approximately 35 years.

Throughout his life, he loved swimming and diving, playing bridge and other card games, watching football (especially college football), and eating (take the H's off of Heath and that's what he did best).

Bob was an intelligent, kind, witty, strong, and gentle man and a dedicated husband, father, and teacher.  Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Kathryn D. Heath of Ormond Beach, his four children Raymond, Andrew, David, and Ann, and his three grandchildren Tiffany Heath and twins Alex Heath and Josh Heath.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 11am, at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church.  All interested in attending are welcome. Interment with military honors will be held at 1:30pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory to Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-9169.

Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach.  Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com .