A house RESOLUTION

 

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Harold Charles Heath OF Fairfield COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Harold Heath at the age of seventy-eight on October 16, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born in Winnsboro on December 11, 1946, he was the son of the late Elise Boykin Heath and Charlie Heath Jr., and was reared in a loving family with his brother, Larry B. Heath. He grew up in the Ward One community where he developed the charismatic spirit and quick wit that would define him throughout his life. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1965, where his natural athletic ability and leadership began to shine; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Heath began his college education at Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, graduated from Allen University in Columbia, and pursued various certifications throughout his outstanding career in education; and

 

Whereas, for decades he served as an educator, football and basketball coach, athletic director at Fairfield Central High School, and administrator in the Chester County and Fairfield County school systems. His coaching career reached a pinnacle when the football team won three consecutive state championships from 1996-1998; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Helen Thompson Heath, he reared a fine daughter, Melanie C. Heath. He was blessed with the affection of a loving grandson, Caelan S. Heath, but his fatherhood extended far beyond his own home, as a father figure to his students, to young people in the community, and to anyone who needed guidance; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Heath also served as an umpire for the Fairfield Recreational Center, staying connected to the athletics he loved. After his retirement from the school system, he was elected to the Fairfield County School Board and continued his commitment to education and young people; and

 

Whereas, he assumed the family business, operating Heath Barbershop until 2016, not just cutting hair, but listening, counseling, encouraging, and building up his community, one conversation at a time; and

 

Whereas, a man of deep faith, Mr. Heath was a faithful and devoted member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro, where he served the congregation as an elder. He believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and never wavered in his faith in God because that relationship was the foundation of everything he did; and

 

Whereas, he was a dedicated member of the Gayden Lodge No. 318 in Winnsboro, where he served as Worship Master. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and grilling out to create memories filled with laughter and the smell of good food; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Harold Heath and for the example of love, laughter, service, and unwavering strength he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Harold Charles Heath of Fairfield County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Harold Charles Heath.

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