Russell S. Heath, Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

Russell S. Heath, Jr.

January 7, 1939 - July 27, 2024

Russell S. Heath, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Russell “Sonny” was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a loving and faithful friend.

He was born on January 7, 1939 in Norfolk, VA. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara “Bobbi” Heath; his parents, Russell S. and Lola Lee Heath; grandchildren, Garrett and Gabrielle Heath; two nieces; a nephew; and a great-nephew.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Victoria “Vicki” Farrer and husband, Eric, Rebecca “Becky” Sifen and husband, Michael, and Russell “Rusty” S. Heath, III and wife, Kathy. “Granddad” also had seven grandchildren: Joe, Tyler, Erica, Rachael, Logan, Karson, and Kyleigh; great-grandson, Nixon; sister-in-law, Rose Dela Vega; brother-in-law, Buddy Ward; many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins; and numerous extended relatives and treasured friends.

After graduating from Great Bridge High School in 1957, “Sonny” went on to work in construction and as a Longshoreman with Local 1624. He served in the National Guard and attended the colleges of William and Mary and Old Dominion University.

In 1963, he began his 37-year career in the mortgage industry. As Vice President of SunTrust, Russell managed a wide territory spanning from the Peninsula to the Outer Banks of North Carolina while closing over 7,500 loans.

He was a devoted member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the Men’s Club. During his many years in mortgage banking, Russell was an active member of the Tidewater Builders Association. His hobbies included collecting art, carving duck decoys, gardening, and birdwatching while sailing with his longtime dear friend, Jim Wagner.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Cannon House for their love and care of “Mr. Russell” over the past three years. We will be forever grateful to Linda for the friendship and compassion shown to her “brother from another mother”, and her sister, Mary.

To celebrate Russell’s life, please join us for a visitation on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church located at 3314 Sandra Lane in Virginia Beach. A Funeral Mass will be held at the church on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Russell’s memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association here.

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Russell S. Heath, Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Russell “Sonny” was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a loving and faithful friend. He was born on January 7, 1939 in Norfolk, VA. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara “Bobbi” Heath; his parents,…

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Rusty, sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. However, after talking with you, it appears as one of those blessings in disguise. He is at peace with no troubles anymore. I am certain you have tons of memories that will sustain you going forward.

“Mr. Russell”, I’ll never forget the first time we met. I knew we were kindred spirits 😉 Although it wasn’t always perfect, I pray you felt the love we all had for you. I’ll always remember you for your quick wit, good attitude & raising the best family ever! Rest in Heaven with your wife & I hope there are plenty of birds & chocolate for you!

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My condolences to you, Vicki, Rusty, and your families.I always looked forward to his visits to Birdland.

Dear Uncle Sonny, Your smile and love will always be with our family. Please give all our loved ones in Heaven a hug for me. Gwenda

So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and my prayers are with you and your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Such a great family, they tolerated me for years! Wish them the best .

we have lost one of the best!!!!

Mark and Debbie Conboy. So very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was always very helpful to me when I was building houses. He was one of the “good guys”

It was truly an honor and always a privilege to care for Russell. In healthcare you are not supposed to have favorites, but I did, and it was him. No matter how long I was away at school or busy with life, he remembered me and my horses. I will always remember him and his kindness and wisdom. Love always, Lily Rose

Please know that I am sending prayers for peace and comfort for you all during this difficult time. Love and hugs from the Wilton family

My deepest sympathy to the Heath family for your loss. Russell was a great person and will be missed by many.

My sincere condolences on the passing of Russell. Your family will be in my prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Russell for 10 years. We attended many VHBA functions and mortgage banking activities together. He was a beloved friend and colleague.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.