Walter Otis Heath went quietly to the Lord on Wednesday, February 6th after a debilitating battle with cancer. With the support of Community Hospice of Modesto, he was able to stay at home surrounded by his loving son, daughter-in-law, family members and friends.
Walter was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Walter and Sally Heath on January 22, 1934. He, and his younger sister, Ollie, were raised in Philidelphia by his Aunt Estelle. He also lived in Texas and several California locations. In 1967, he married Bonnie Bell Riley. They made their home in Turlock and enjoyed almost 50 years of love and life together.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, sister and beloved wife, Bonnie. He is survived by his son Randy (Della) Pratt; granddaughter Melissa (Andy) Challberg; grandson Adam (Katie) Pratt. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Austin, Davis, Tabitha, Leila and Wyatt.
Walter displayed a passion for the Lord and loved to share it in song. He had an amazing voice that could always be heard at his place of worship, Bethel Tabernacle in Ceres. He was also passionate about his Nursing Home Ministry. He would visit the nursing homes and sing, read scipture, teach or just hold the hand of someone in need of company. He shared his talents by volunteering at the Turlock United Samaritan House, Salvation Army, SHARE Program, Turlock Can Tree Project, Turlock Together Food Basket Event and many non-profit organizations in the greater Turlock area.
Walter was a quiet, spiritual man of simple pleasures and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a self-taught man and absolutely loved to learn. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed sharing his ideas and knowledge. Walter never met a stranger that he did not know. He could often be found sharing a cup of coffee at Cindy’s Restaurant in Turlock where he was respected and loved by all.
Anyone who spent more than 2 minutes with Walter was captivated by his endearing laugh and smile. His intense love of faith, family and country inspired his journey in life. He is now pain free rejoicing in heaven with his beloved wife, Bonnie and his Lord Savior, Jesus Christ. Do not shed tears that he is gone, smile because he lived! He will be deeply missed by a host of extended church family and dear friends.
The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Community Hospice for leading them through a difficult process with genuine love and respect. They extend blessings to the church, friends and loved ones involved in enriching his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to: United Samaritan House of Turlock, Community Hospice or the charity of your choice.
An internment is scheduled for Friday, February 22, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson with a Celebration of Life to be announced.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18