Donald Gladney Heath, 78, Lumberton

Donald Gladney Heath, 78, of Lumberton, TX passed away on February 2, 2022.

Born in Cordele, Ga to Naomi Amanda (née Grace) and Robert Clifford Heath on December 11, 1943.

He was an intelligent and dedicated man who was the first in his family to attend college, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Insurance from Georgia State University and a CPCU from The American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters, Inc., and a ChFC and CLU from The American College. While studying in Atlanta he met and married Lila “Leigh” Heath (née Zeigler), the love of his life.

He joined State Farm in 1970, serving for several years at headquarters in Bloomington, IL, and Austin, TX, as a Director of Education and Training before opening an Agency on Calder Ave. in Beaumont, TX in 1983.

He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Clifford Jr., and sister Dorothy Grace.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Leigh, their children Kimberly (Robert), Kevin (Tracy), and Kerry and Goddaughter Kara. Grandchildren Jessica, Jonathan, Grace, Jilllian, Tyler, Kaci, Jenna, and Kristine and by one expected great-grandchild, Lila, who he was delighted to have but unable to meet. He is also survived by his beloved puppy Zoe.

Remembered as a “Grumpy Poppa” who loved God, his family, a good scotch, hunting, and regaling friends and family with tales of his rural youth.

He was a longstanding member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Kiwanis Club, and an avid outdoorsman. He donated extensively to conservation groups for the preservation of wildlife and hunting for the future. An impeccable friend, dedicated insurance agent, and inimitable man he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Tx with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and services at 2:00 p.m.