Buel Heath

Buel Westbrook Heath, aka BW, age 92, of Austin (formerly of Greenville) passed away in the evening hours of Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Retirement & Nursing Center in Austin. He was born on July 23, 1918 in New Salem, TX to David K. and Mattie (Hamilton) Heath, they preceded him in death. BW was proud of his service to his country in the United States Marines during WWII. He married the love of his life, Jane Pope, in 1939 and together spent the next 55 years raising a family and creating a lifetime of memories that still live on in the hearts of their children. BW worked as the manager of NETEX Cooperative Cotton Seed Oil Mill in Wolfe City for over 35 years. During his professional career, BW was active in several cotton mill and cotton seed associations. He was a member of the Greenville Lions Club and the Park Street Baptist Church. BW enjoyed traveling and fishing, especially with his wife Jane to fish in Canada. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, truly an original Cowboys fan having had season tickets in both the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium beginning in the inaugural season of 1960. BW was a musician and particularly enjoyed country music. BW enjoyed family gatherings. He was especially fond and proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He loved to have them around him and he took great pride in his great grandchildren as well. BW is survived by one son, Dave Heath, and wife Diana, of Austin; one daughter, Hilda Riddles, and husband John, of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Greg Riddles, Todd Riddles, Heath Riddles, Clay Heath, Holly Heath, Jian Jian Heath; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Rosie, Kate, Travis, and Nicole; one brother, Ralph Heath of Tyler; and a sister-in-law, Pansy Heath of Overton, TX. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Heath and Ray Heath, and by one sister, Elsie Byrd Heath. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Memoryland Memorial Park with Pastor Johnny Hailes officiating. Visitation will be from 6 " 8 P.M. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank the staff at Austin Hospice, the Retirement & Nursing Center, and Barton Hills Assisted Living for their care and dedication to Mr. Heath. Memorial donations may be made to Austin Hospice