C. Robert "Bob" Heath Obituary (1932 - 2015)

C. Robert "Bob" Heath, a resident of Park Village at VMRC, died peacefully on December 2, 2015 due to complications of diabetes. He was born on October 11, 1932 at Singers Glen, the son of the late Maxine Dove Heath and James Leonard "Jack" Heath. He was stepson to John H. Green, also deceased. He graduated from HHS in 1951, and then enlisted to serve in the US Air Force for four years, during the Korean conflict. During his time in the service, he was a mechanic and instructor, eventually rising to the level of Staff Sergeant. He witnessed atomic testing in Nevada and worked on a top-secret project at Edwards AFB involving the F-100 jet prototype. On November 3, 1956, he married Norma Anne Jarrels, who survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Holly Mullin (Bill) of Doylestown PA and a son, Hank Heath of Portland OR, grandsons Will Mullin (Lauren), Rob Mullin, Andrew Heath, Greg Heath and granddaughter Caroline Heath, brother James D. "Jim" Heath (Helen), plus many nieces and nephews. He began his career at S. B. Hoover and Co., working weekends at Zoo-rama, until he joined the Rockingham Group, his work home for over 35 years until his retirement as CEO and Board member. Under Bob's leadership the company grew from the former West Rockingham Mutual Fire Insurance Company with three employees, to a large, state-wide corporation offering multiple types of insurance coverage. He served with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) as board member for 16 years, and received the association's Service and Merit Awards. He also served as President and Executive Secretary of the Virginia Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (VAMIC). Bob continued a long family line of public service in the Valley, dating back to the 1700's. He served as Mayor of Harrisonburg, City Council Member, and chaired the first Harrisonburg Comprehensive Plan, visioning a 20 year guideline for growth and development in the city. He also served as President of the Massanutten Property Owners Association, and was a Director of the Harrisonburg Rotary Club. He was a lifelong member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School, and serving as trustee and chairman of the administrative board. In his free time, Bob enjoyed spending time with friends and family, working on construction and renovation projects, camping, and relaxing at homes in Oak Island NC and Naples FL, and cabins in Union Springs, Lacey Springs and Sparkling Springs, VA. There will be no visitation. A memorial service is planned for January 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Otterbein United Methodist Church with Rev. Adam Blagg The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802, the Otterbein United Methodist Church 176 W. Market Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 , or a charity of your choice in Bob's name. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.