First Gentleman Pedro Heath

Arthur Pedro Heath was born on January 29, 1946, in Wayne County to Preston and Telitha Barnes Heath—the eighth of 14 children. He was reared in a loving family and often spoke of the thing his parents taught them.

Pedro attended Wayne County Schools: received his diploma from Dillard High School, and several vocational certifications from Wayne Community College.

He accepted Christ in his life as a young man and really loved reading and studying the Word.

On Friday, February 28, 1969, Pedro and Dorothy Horne were joined in holy matrimony by Bishop C. L. Barnes. The Lord blessed their marriage and their lives together.

In March 1969 Pedro was drafted into the US Army and reported for duty to Forte Bragg in Fayetteville, NC on June 23, 1969. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, was a Bronze Star recipient, and the Lord brought him home safely. He continued his military service with an additional year in the US Army Reserves.

Deacon Heath served faithfully in New Greenleaf Church of Christ, DOC, in many capacities and continued to do so as First Gentleman of the Church. He truly loved the Lord and His Church.

He was employed for 29 years with AP Parts in Goldsboro. NC, as a Maintenance-Hydraulic Technician until he became disabled. He loved his work and accomplished many great things on the job.

Deacon Heath is survived by his wife, Dorothy Horne Heath, his daughter, Tonya and son-in-love, Lamonte McNair. He is preceded in death by their son Pedro Heath, Jr., his parents, brothers Preston and Ralph Earl, and a sister Gloria.

Other remaining survivors include brothers Charles, Johnnie, Alfred (Annie); sisters Estelle Secrest, Minnie Hucks, Telitha Lewis, Annie Heath, Brenda Lane (Charles) Evangeline Allen, and Dena Hines, and a host of other nieces, nephews, and god-children.