William Richard Heath, 54

SMYRNA - William Richard Heath, Holly Hill Drive, departed this life on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in his home. He was 54. Born on Feb. 27, 1954, he was the son of Jackson Heath and the late Anna Heath. Richard or Coach Heath, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, graduated from Smyrna High School in 1973. He was a devoted member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Smyrna, under the pastorship of Rev. Walter Dixon. He was employed at DelStar Technology in Middletown, for many years, and was a member of the National Guard. Richard loved sports and was an avid Oakland Raiders football fan. He also helped coach Smyrna High School football, PAL football and Smyrna Little League. He was a loyal father, brother, son, uncle, coach and friend. He loved to entertain and pull little pranks on you just to see you smile. Richard was one of the most pleasant, kindest, and respectful persons you could meet. His smile would brighten up any day. He would open his heart up to anyone and would give you the shirt off his back if he had to. He was also a father figure to many and admired by most. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Heath, and two sisters, Tina and Sonya Heath. He is survived by his only daughter, Madonna Woodson (husband George Woodson); three grandsons, Jay'Juan, Destant, and Jamir; his father, Jackson Heath; four sisters, Corinthia Heath Henry, Kathryn Heath Moore, Vashtyd Heath Dixon and Vonnie Bowe; one brother, Roscoe Wilson; a devoted friend, Carolyn Rankins; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A viewing will be held on Friday, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Smyrna. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Smyrna, where friends may also call two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Massey Cemetery, Smyrna. Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.