John Stegall Heath

John Stegall Heath, 76, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 28, 2024. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community servant.

 John was a lifelong resident of Gulfport, born and raised by Robert and Mary Lou Heath. He graduated from Gulfport High School and went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Mississippi State University in 1970. John began his career at Arthur Anderson in New Orleans before returning to the coast to establish his own accounting practice, which he ran for over 40 years.

 He met and married his beloved wife, Vicky, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years. Together, they raised two children and cherished their time with three grandchildren.

 John was known for his generosity and commitment to serving others. He was an active member of the Gulfport community, contributing to numerous organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Harrison County Development Commission, Salvation Army, Seamens Center, Gulfport Library, Gulfport Yacht Club, Revelers, and the Coast Wine Society. He was also a highly regarded treasurer for many Republican political campaigns, earning a reputation as one of the best campaign treasurers in Mississippi.

 A devout Christian, John was a member at at First Presbyterian Church Gulfport and was a current member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He also loved attending prayer breakfast weekly on Friday mornings.

 John had a passion for fishing, often rising early to enjoy the sport he loved. His personalized license plate, "GO FISH," captured his enthusiasm perfectly. His other love and prized possession was his boat the Loophole which was loved by all who spent time on that boat.

 He also loved to travel, creating precious memories with his family on numerous trips throughout his life.

 John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Lou Heath. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicky Heath; his children, Mary Katherine Woltz (Matt) and John Bart Heath (Brie); his grandchildren, John-Matthew Heath Woltz, Sylvia Grace Woltz, and Beckham Heath; and his brother, Steve Heath (Linda).

 Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at noon. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at 11 a.m. with burial to follow service at Evergreen Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Fund for the Salvation Army in Gulfport, MS, through John S. Heath's fundraising page for The Salvation Army. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of John Stegall Heath.