Elvin "Ray" Heath, Jr., 64, of Carolina Beach, NC was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away on March 12, 2022, after a brief journey with cancer.

Ray was born on November 22, 1957 in Burgaw, NC. He graduated from East Bladen High School in Elizabethtown, NC, in 1976.

From an early age, Ray had a great work ethic. He collected and turned in drink bottles for the deposit, sold weekly newspapers on his bike, and cropped tobacco. During high school he worked on small engines and ran heavy equipment. He achieved his career goal and owned and operated his successful business, Heath Grading and Utility, Inc.

Ray loved to entertain and threw amazing Super Bowl parties, and impromptu fish fries and oyster roasts. Ray was easily distinguished by his one-of-a-kind, heartfelt, bellowing laughter, and you knew he was present without ever laying eyes on him. Ray loved and adored his wife and mother and called them his "prissy girls". Ray's pastimes were hunting, fishing, and traveling, but his greatest passion was his family. Ray exuberantly lived life to the fullest and his zest for life was contagious.

Ray leaves behind his wife, Kathie Carter Heath; his three sons, Kyle Ray (Nicole) Heath, Paul Brissette Heath and Connor Royal Heath; his daughters by marriage, Megan Smith (Erik) Davies and Whitney Smith (Jeff) Sox; his grandchildren, Max and Mia Davies, Carson and Brody Sox, and Hazel Grace and Graham Heath; his mother, Hazel (Buddy) Odom; his siblings, Mary (Ken) Shelton, Tracy (Tammy) Heath and Janis (Steve) Netherland; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray is predeceased by his father, Elvin Ray Heath.

Ray's memories, legacy, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Ray's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Masonboro Baptist Church, 1501 Beasley Rd.; Wilmington, NC at 3pm with Dr. Gordon Wright officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ray may be made to some of his favorite charities such as Wounded Warriors, Masonboro Baptist Church, Weyman's Cemetery Fund, or a charity of your choice.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171