Captain David Anthony Heath

September 14, 1965 - October 14, 2013
Captain David Anthony Heath

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Captain David Anthony Heath, age 48, of Wilmington, died Monday, October 14, 2013.

David was born on September 14, 1965 in Fort Polk, Louisiana, the son of Ralph and Pat Heath, of Concord.

David began his distinguished fire service career in 1984 as a volunteer with Bonnie Doone Fire/Rescue in Cumberland County. He was currently a fire instructor and training officer for New Hanover County Fire/Rescue and North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshall. Additionally, David attained certifications as a Nationally Certified Fire Investigator, Emergency Medical Technician, as well as numerous additional certifications. Most recently he was in the process of attaining his certification as an Executive Fire Officer and was awarded his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development from Mt. Olive College in October, 2013.
David served for numerous agencies throughout his 30-year career including Durham Highway Fire/Rescue, Six Forks Fire/Rescue, Wilson Fire/Rescue, Raleigh Fire/Rescue, as well as Morrisville Fire/Rescue. David was heavily influenced by his uncle who was a career firefighter and assistant chief with the Wilson Fire/Rescue Department. He was lovingly known as “Wingnut” and “Torque Wrench”, referring to his character and work ethic.

David attended Port City Community Church, where he was an avid member. His second passion in life was that of surfing and the ocean.

Surviving, in addition to his parents are brother, Firefighter/Fire Instructor, William “Will” Heath and wife Dana, nephew, Lee Heath; niece, Lillianne Heath, all of Kannapolis; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Lucy.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Port City Community Church.

A second Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th at Concord First Assembly of God Church, 150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd., Concord, NC 28027.

The family will receive friends following the service at Wilkinson Funeral Home, 100 Branchview Drive NE, Concord, NC 28026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NC Fallen Firefighters, 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 250, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “guest book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • October 17, 2013
    Karl Deweese (KD Photos) says:
    I had the honors of working beside David his last days at the CFCC Fire Training Center as he was one of the safety officers for the weekend training school going on. He loved what he was doing and safety was his number # priority when it came to fellow firefighters in training. He will be missed here in Wilmington and all around.. His family should be proud as we were so glad to have him here as a part of our family when it came to the fire dept's Rest In Peace David

  • October 18, 2013
    Joyce and Liza Godsil says:
    The memories of the times our families shared at Emerald Isle each summer will forever have a special place in our minds and hearts. Sending our love and prayers, Joyce (Mrs G.) and Liza

  • October 17, 2013
    Michael Peterson says:
    Everyone that knew Captain Heath, can be very proud of his achievements, and what he stood for in the fire service. I am proud to have worked with him, and to be his friend. Captain was all serious at work, but I had the pleasure to see his light side, in some of our hilarious golf outings. He will be greatly missed, May our Father in Heaven, comfort the Family and all the friends and Brothers and Sisters, that knew him. RIP Captain ,, now continue your assignment for the Leader of all of us.

  • October 18, 2013
    Jeff Harkey says:
    Mr. and Mrs. Heath, David's Friends and Family, I was horribly shocked this past Monday when a colleague called to tell me there had been a loss at New Hanover County Fire Rescue. I quickly ran through my mind those that I know there, and David's image was the first to enter into my memory. The next sentence told the horrible truth: that it was David who had fallen. I find it fitting that David passed doing what he loved and believed in with such passion. I have known David since High School. I am one year older than David, but his leadership abilities were apparent even at that young age. After High School, we were fortunately able to reconnect over something we were both passionate about: the fire service. David was without question "all in" in every endeavor he undertook. He really seemed to find his "home station" in New Hanover County, and was always very enthusiastic about the future of this progressive organization. To New Hanover County Fire Rescue organization, we share your feelings of loss, and remember David's positive influence upon your agency. To his family, know that David lived his life towards the safety and protection of the public and take comfort in the knowledge that he passed in service to others. Jeff Harkey Editor in Chief, FireNews.net Raleigh, North Carolina

  • October 18, 2013
    Athoma Bailey says:
    Patsy, Ralph and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you all the best in this trying time and my prayers are with you. God Bless!!