Howell Quintard Heath Jr.

Howell Quintard Heath Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as "Buddy," passed away on December 7, 2024, at the age of 84.

Born May 22, 1940, in Sumter, South Carolina, Buddy lived a full and adventurous life. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Captain. He attended Edmonds High School, Carlisle Military Academy, and The University of South Carolina before joining the military. As a young man Buddy worked for the Continental Can Company, but he found his vocational calling when he became co-owner of the Pew and Brew, a popular neighborhood restaurant and gathering place in Marietta, Georgia. Buddy was known for his laid back charm and spirit of fun, and most evenings Buddy could be found at the Pew and Brew regaling patrons and friends with stories, hosting trivia, or talking about airplanes and military days with fellow veterans.

Buddy's hobbies and interests also reflected his free spirit. After retiring and settling permanently in Cape Coral, Buddy earned his private pilot's license at age 71. He was an avid lover of music from the 1950s, motorcycles, boats, Corvettes and vintage cars, especially his beloved 1957 Ford Thunderbird. Buddy was also a voracious reader all his life, and, in his later years, a devoted Jeopardy viewer, impressing us all with his remarkable depth of knowledge.

Above all, central to Buddy's life were his family and loved ones. He leaves a legacy of love and kindness that will live on in those of us who called him brother, husband, friend, companion, and dad.

He is survived by three loving children, Laura Gary (Bill) of Decatur, GA, Michael Heath (Julie) of Canton, GA, and Lynn Heath of Nashville, TN ; sister, Frances Ingram Heath; six grandchildren, Henry, Georgia, Lauren, Diane, Peyton, and Carson; as well as five great grandchildren, Logan, Lincoln, Declan, Haven, and Saylor.

Buddy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Parker Heath, on March 6, 2014; as well as a brother, Albert “Barry” Barrington, and parents, Howell Quintard and Perry Heath.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 28. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

Memorial Contributions in memory of Buddy Heath are suggested to the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, 325 SW 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33991.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.